Resist composition, method of forming resist pattern, novel compound and method of producing the same, and acid generator

ABSTRACT

A compound represented by formula (I); and a compound represented by formula (b1-1): 
                         
wherein X represents —O—, —S—, —O—R 3 — or —S—R 4 —, wherein each of R 3  and R 4  independently represents an alkylene group of 1 to 5 carbon atoms; R 2  represents an alkyl group of 1 to 6 carbon atoms, an alkoxy group of 1 to 6 carbon atoms, a halogenated alkyl group of 1 to 6 carbon atoms, a halogen atom, a hydroxyalkyl group of 1 to 6 carbon atoms, a hydroxyl group or a cyano group; a represents an integer of 0 to 2; Q 1  represents an alkylene group of 1 to 12 carbon atoms or a single bond; Y 1  represents an alkylene group of 1 to 4 carbon atoms or a fluorinated alkylene group; M +  represents an alkali metal ion; and A +  represents an organic cation.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a resist composition containing a novel compound useful as an acid generator, a method of forming a resist pattern, the compound, a compound useful as a precursor of the compound and method of producing the same, and an acid generator including the compound.

Priority is claimed on Japanese Patent Application No. 2007-237054, filed Sep. 12, 2007, Japanese Patent Application No. 2007-275655, filed Oct. 23, 2007, Japanese Patent Application No. 2008-1423, filed Jan. 8, 2008, and Japanese Patent Application No. 2008-064131, filed Mar. 13, 2008, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND ART

In lithography techniques, for example, a resist film composed of a resist material is formed on a substrate, and the resist film is subjected to selective exposure of radial rays such as light or electron beam through a mask having a predetermined pattern, followed by development, thereby forming a resist pattern having a predetermined shape on the resist film. A resist material in which the exposed portions become soluble in a developing solution is called a positive-type, and a resist material in which the exposed portions become insoluble in a developing solution is called a negative-type.

In recent years, in the production of semiconductor elements and liquid crystal display elements, advances in lithography techniques have lead to rapid progress in the field of pattern miniaturization.

Typically, these miniaturization techniques involve shortening the wavelength of the exposure light source. Conventionally, ultraviolet radiation typified by g-line and i-line radiation has been used, but nowadays KrF excimer lasers and ArF excimer lasers are now starting to be introduced in mass production. Furthermore, research is also being conducted into lithography techniques that use exposure light source having a wavelength shorter than these excimer lasers, such as F₂ excimer lasers, electron beam, extreme ultraviolet radiation (EUV), and X ray.

Resist materials for use with these types of exposure light sources require lithography properties such as a high resolution capable of reproducing patterns of minute dimensions, and a high level of sensitivity to these types of exposure light sources. As a resist material which satisfies these conditions, a chemically amplified resist is used, which includes a base resin that exhibits a changed solubility in an alkali developing solution under action of acid and an acid generator that generates acid upon exposure. For example, a chemically amplified positive resist contains, as a base resin, a resin which exhibits increased solubility in an alkali developing solution under action of acid, and an acid generator In the formation of a resist pattern, when acid is generated from the acid generator upon exposure, the exposed portions become soluble in an alkali developing solution.

Until recently, polyhydroxystyrene (PHS) or derivative resins thereof in which the hydroxyl groups are protected with acid-dissociable, dissolution-inhibiting groups (PHS-based resins), which exhibit high transparency to a KrF excimer laser (248 nm), have been used as the base resin component of chemically amplified resists. However, because PHS-based resins contain aromatic rings such as benzene rings, their transparency is inadequate for light with wavelengths shorter than 248 nm, such as light of 193 nm. Accordingly, chemically amplified resists that use a PHS-based resin as the base resin component suffer from low levels of resolution in processes that use light of 193 nm.

As a result, resins that contain structural units derived from (meth)acrylate esters within the main chain (acrylic resins) are now widely used as base resins for resists that use ArF excimer laser lithography, as they exhibit excellent transparency in the vicinity of 193 nm. In the case of a positive resist, as the base resin, those which have a structural unit derived from (meth)acrylate ester including an aliphatic polycyclic group-containing, tertiary alkyl ester-type acid dissociable, dissolution inhibiting group, such as a structural unit derived from 2-alkyl-2-adamantyl (meth)acrylate are mainly used (for example, see Patent Document 1).

Here, the term “(meth)acrylate ester” is a generic term that includes either or both of the acrylate ester having a hydrogen atom bonded to the α-position and the methacrylate ester having a methyl group bonded to the α-position. The term “(meth)acrylate” is a generic term that includes either or both of the acrylate having a hydrogen atom bonded to the α-position and the methacrylate having a methyl group bonded to the α-position. The term “(meth)acrylic acid” is a generic term that includes either or both of acrylic acid having a hydrogen atom bonded to the α-position and methacrylic acid having a methyl group bonded to the α-position.

As acid generators usable in a chemically amplified resist, various types have been proposed including, for example, onium salt-based acid generators such as iodonium salts and sulfonium salts.

[Patent Document 1] Japanese Unexamined Patent Application, First Publication No. 2003-241385

DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION Means to Solve the Problems

Currently, as the anion moiety for the aforementioned onium salt-based acid generators, a perfluoroalkylsulfonic acid ion is generally used. It is considered that the perfluoroalkyl chain within the anion moiety is preferably long, as diffusion of acid after exposure can be suppressed. However, a perfluoroalkyl chain of 6 to 10 carbon atoms is hardly decomposable, and hence, in consideration of safety in handling in terms of bioaccumulation, a nonafluorobutanesulfonic acid ion or the like is used. Therefore, development of a novel compound which is more preferable as an acid generator for a resist composition has been demanded.

The present invention takes the above circumstances into consideration, with an object of providing a novel compound useful as an acid generator for a resist composition; a compound useful as a precursor for the aforementioned compound and method for producing the same; an acid generator; a resist composition; and a method of forming a resist pattern.

Means to Solve the Problems

For solving the above-mentioned problems, the present invention employ the following aspects.

Specifically, a first aspect of the present invention is a resist composition including a base component (A) which exhibits changed solubility in an alkali developing solution under action of acid and an acid-generator component (B) which generates acid upon exposure,

the acid-generator component (B) including an acid generator (B1) consisting of a compound represented by general formula (b1-1) shown below.

wherein X represents —O—, —S—, —O—R³— or —S—R⁴—, wherein each of R³ and R⁴ independently represents an alkylene group of 1 to 5 carbon atoms; R² represents an alkyl group of 1 to 6 carbon atoms, an alkoxy group of 1 to 6 carbon atoms, a halogenated alkyl group of 1 to 6 carbon atoms, a halogen atom, a hydroxyalkyl group of 1 to 6 carbon atoms, a hydroxyl group or a cyano group; a represents an integer of 0 to 2; Q¹ represents an alkylene group of 1 to 12 carbon atoms or a single bond; Y¹ represents an alkylene group of 1 to 4 carbon atoms or a fluorinated alkylene group; and A⁺ represents an organic cation.

A second aspect of the present invention is a method of forming a resist pattern, including: applying a resist composition of the first aspect to a substrate to form a resist film on the substrate; conducting exposure of the resist film; and alkali-developing the resist film to form a resist pattern.

A third aspect of the present invention is a compound represented by general formula (I) shown below (hereafter, this compound is referred to as “compound (I)”).

wherein X represents —O—, —S—, —O—R³— or —S—R⁴—, wherein each of R³ and R⁴ independently represents an alkylene group of 1 to 5 carbon atoms; R² represents an alkyl group of 1 to 6 carbon atoms, an alkoxy group of 1 to 6 carbon atoms, a halogenated alkyl group of 1 to 6 carbon atoms, a halogen atom, a hydroxyalkyl group of 1 to 6 carbon atoms, a hydroxyl group or a cyano group; a represents an integer of 0 to 2; Q¹ represents an alkylene group of 1 to 12 carbon atoms or a single bond; Y¹ represents an alkylene group of 1 to 4 carbon atoms or a fluorinated alkylene group; and M⁻ represents an alkali metal ion.

A fourth aspect of the present invention is a method of producing a compound (I) represented by general formula (I) shown below, including subjecting a compound (I-3) represented by general formula (I-3) shown below and a compound (I-4) represented by general formula (I-4) shown below to dehydration/condensation, to thereby obtain the compound (I) (hereafter, this method is referred to as “production method of compound (I)”).

wherein X represents —O—, —S—, —O—R³— or —S—R⁴—, wherein each of R³ and R⁴ independently represents an alkylene group of 1 to 5 carbon atoms; R² represents an alkyl group of 1 to 6 carbon atoms, an alkoxy group of 1 to 6 carbon atoms, a halogenated alkyl group of 1 to 6 carbon atoms, a halogen atom, a hydroxyalkyl group of 1 to 6 carbon atoms, a hydroxyl group or a cyano group; a represents an integer of 0 to 2; Q¹ represents an alkylene group of 1 to 12 carbon atoms or a single bond; Y¹ represents an alkylene group of 1 to 4 carbon atoms or a fluorinated alkylene group; and M⁺ represents an alkali metal ion.

A fifth aspect of the present invention is a compound represented by general formula (b1-1) shown below (hereafter, this compound is referred to as “compound (B-1)”).

wherein X represents —O—, —S—, —O—R³— or —S—R⁴—, wherein each of R³ and R⁴ independently represents an alkylene group of 1 to 5 carbon atoms; R² represents an alkyl group of 1 to 6 carbon atoms, an alkoxy group of 1 to 6 carbon atoms, a halogenated alkyl group of 1 to 6 carbon atoms, a halogen atom, a hydroxyalkyl group of 1 to 6 carbon atoms, a hydroxyl group or a cyano group; a represents an integer of 0 to 2; Q¹ represents an alkylene group of 1 to 12 carbon atoms or a single bond; Y¹ represents an alkylene group of 1 to 4 carbon atoms or a fluorinated alkylene group; and A⁺ represents an organic cation.

A sixth aspect of the present invention is an acid generator including the compound (B1) of the third aspect.

In the present description and claims, the term “aliphatic” is a relative concept used in relation to the term “aromatic”, and defines a group or compound that has no aromaticity.

The term “alkyl group” includes linear, branched or cyclic, monovalent saturated hydrocarbon, unless otherwise specified.

The term “alkylene group” includes linear, branched or cyclic divalent saturated hydrocarbon, unless otherwise specified.

A “lower alkyl group” is an alkyl group of 1 to 5 carbon atoms.

The term “structural unit” refers to a monomer unit that contributes to the formation of a resin component (polymer).

The term “exposure” is used as a general concept that includes irradiation with any form of radiation.

Effect of the Invention

According to the present invention, there are provided a novel compound useful as an acid generator for a resist composition; a compound useful as a precursor for the aforementioned compound and method for producing the same; an acid generator; a resist composition; and a method of forming a resist pattern.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

<<Compound (I)>>

The compound (I) of the present invention is represented by general formula (I) above.

In general formula (I), X represents —O—, —S—, —O—R³— or —S—R⁴—.

Each of R³ and R⁴ independently represents an alkylene group of 1 to 5 carbon atoms. The alkylene group is preferably linear or branched. Further, the alkylene group preferably has 1 to 3 carbon atoms, and more preferably 1 or 2.

As X, —O— is particularly desirable.

As the alkyl group for R², a linear or branched alkyl group is preferable. Specific examples include a methyl group, ethyl group, propyl group, isopropyl group, n-butyl group, isobutyl group, tert-butyl group, pentyl group, isopentyl group, neopentyl group and hexyl group. Among these, a methyl group or ethyl group is preferable, and a methyl group is particularly desirable.

As the alkoxy group for R², groups in which the aforementioned alkyl groups for R² have been bonded to an oxygen atom (—O—) can be exemplified.

As the halogen atom for R², a fluorine atom, chlorine atom, bromine atom and iodine atom can be exemplified. Among these, a fluorine atom is preferable.

As the halogenated lower alkyl group for R², groups in which a part or all of the hydrogen atoms of the aforementioned alkyl groups for R² have been substituted with the aforementioned halogen atoms can be exemplified. As the halogenated alkyl group, a fluorinated alkyl group is preferable, and a perfluoroalkyl group is particularly desirable.

As the hydroxyalkyl group for R², groups in which at least one hydrogen atom of the aforementioned alkyl groups for R² has been substituted with a hydroxyl group can be exemplified.

a represents an integer of 0 to 2, and is most preferably 0.

When a is 2, the plurality of R² may be the same or different.

The alkylene group for Q¹ may be linear or branched. The alkylene group preferably has 1 to 5 carbon atoms, and more preferably 1 to 3.

Specific examples of alkylene groups include a methylene group [—CH₂—]; alkylmethylene groups such as —CH(CH₃)—, —CH(CH₂CH₃)—, —C(CH₃)₂—, —C(CH₃)(CH₂CH³)—, —C(CH₃)(CH₂CH₂CH₃)— and —C(CH₂CH₃)₂; an ethylene group [—CH₂CH₂—]; alkylethylene groups such as —CH(CH₃)CH₂—, —CH(CH₃)CH(CH₃)—, —C(CH₃)₂CH₂—, —CH(CH₂CH₃)CH₂— and —CH(CH₂CH₃)CH₂—; a trimethylene group (n-propylene group) [—CH₂CH₂CH₂—]; alkyltrimethylene groups such as —CH(CH₃)CH₂CH₂— and —CH₂CH(CH₃)CH₂—; a tetramethylene group [—CH₂CH₂CH₂CH₂—]; alkyltetramethylene groups such as —CH(CH₃)CH₂CH₂CH₂— and —CH₂CH(CH₃)CH₂CH₂—; and a pentamethylene group [—CH₂CH₂CH₂CH₂CH₂—].

As Q¹, a methylene group, ethylene group, n-propylene group or single bond is preferable, and a single bond is particularly desirable.

Y¹ represents an alkylene group of 1 to 4 carbon atoms or a fluorinated alkylene group.

Examples of Y₁ include —CF₂—, —CF₂CF₂—, —CF₂CF₂CF₂—, —CF(CF₃)CF₂—, —CF(CF₂CF₃)—, —C(CF₃)₂—, —CF₂CF₂CF₂CF₂—, —CF(CF₃)CF₂—, CF₂CF(CF₃)CF₂—, —CF(CF₃)CF(CF₃)—, —C(CF₃)₂CF₂—, —CF(CF₂CF₃)CF₂—, —CF(CF₂CF₂CF₃)—, —C(CF₃)(CF₂CF₃)—; —CHF—, —CH₂CF₂—, —CH₂CH₂CF₂—, —CH₂CF₂CF₂—, —CH(CF₃)CH₂—, —CH(CF₂CF₃)—, —C(CH₃)(CF₃)—, —CH₂CH₂CH₂CF₂—, —CH₂CH₂CF₂CF₂—, —CH(CF₃)CH₂CH₂—, —CH₂CH(CF₃)CH₂—, —CH(CF₃)CH(CF₃)—, —C(CF₃)₂CH₂—; CH₂—, —CH₂CH₂—, —CH₂CH₂CH₂—, —CH(CH₃)CH₂—, —CH(CH₂CH₃)—, —C(CH₃)₂—, —CH₂CH₂CH₂CH₂—, —CH(CH₃)CH₂CH₂—, —CH₂CH(CH₃)CH₂—, —CH(CH₃)CH(CH₃)—, —C(CH₃)₂CH₂—, —CH(CH₂CH₃)CH₂—, —CH(CH₂CH₂CH₃)—, and —C(CH₃)(CH₂CH₃)—,

As Y¹, a fluorinated alkylene group is preferable, and a fluorinated alkylene group in which the carbon atom bonded to the adjacent sulfur atom is fluorinated is particularly desirable. Examples of such fluorinated alkylene groups include —CF₂—, —CF₂CF₂—, —CF₂CF₂CF₂—, —CF(CF₃)CF₂—, —CF₂CF₂CF₂—, —CF(CF₃)CF(CF₂CF₂—, —CF₂CF(CF₃)CF₂—, —CF(CF₃)CF(CF₃)—, —C(CF₃)₂CF₂—, —CF(CF₂CF₃)CF₂—; —CH₂CF₂—, —CH₂CH₂CF₂—, —CH₂CF₂CF₂—; —CH₂CH₂CH₂CF₂—, —CH₂CH₂CF₂CF₂—, and —CH₂CF₂CF₂CF₂—.

Among these, —CF₂—, —CF₂CF₂—, —CF₂CF₂CF₂—, and CH₂CF₂CF₂— are preferable, —CF₂—, —CF₂CF₂— and —CF₂CF₂CF₂— are more preferable, and —CF₂— is particularly desirable.

As the alkali metal ion for M⁺, a sodium ion, lithium ion and potassium ion can be exemplified, and a sodium ion or lithium ion is preferable.

In the present invention, as the compound (I), a compound represented by general formula (I-11) shown below is preferable.

wherein X, R², a and M⁺ are respectively as defined for X, R², a and M⁺ in general formula (I) above; b represents an integer of 0 to 5; c represents an integer of 1 to 3; and each of R³ and R⁴ independently represents a fluorine atom or a fluorinated alkyl group.

b is preferably 0 or 1, and most preferably 0.

c is most preferably 1

As the fluorinated alkyl group for R³ and R⁴, a linear or branched alkyl group is preferable. Further, the fluorinated alkyl group is preferably a perfluoroalkyl group. The fluorinated alkyl group preferably has 1 to 5 carbon atoms, and most preferably 1.

It is particularly desirable that both of R³ and R⁴ be fluorine atoms.

The compound (I) is a novel compound.

The compound (I) is useful as a precursor in the production of the compound (B1) described below.

<Production Method of Compound (I)>

The production method of the compound (I) of the present invention is not particularly limited, although a method in which a compound (I-3) represented by general formula (I-3) shown below and a compound (I-4) represented by general formula (I-4) shown below are subjected to dehydration/condensation can be preferably used.

In general formulas (I-3) and (I-4), R², a, Q¹, Y¹ and M⁺ are respectively as defined for R², a, Q¹, Y¹ and M⁺ in general formula (I) above.

As the compound (I-3) and the compound (I-4), commercially available compounds may be used, or the compounds may be synthesized.

Although there is no particular limitation, the compound (I-3) can be synthesized by a method including the steps of subjecting a compound (I-1) represented by general formula (I-1) shown below to an alkali treatment to obtain a compound (I-2) represented by general formula (I-2) shown below (hereafter, this step is referred to as “step (i)”); and heating the compound (II) in the presence of an acid to thereby obtain the compound (I-3) (hereafter, this step is referred to as “step (ii)”).

wherein R¹ represents an alkyl group of 1 to 5 carbon atoms; and Y¹ and M⁺ are respectively as defined for Y¹ and M⁺ in general formula (I) above.

In step (i) above, as the compound (I), a commercially available compound may be used.

In step (i), the alkali treatment can be conducted, for example, by heating the compound (I-1) in the presence of an alkali. More specifically, the alkali treatment can be conducted by dissolving the compound (I-1) in a solvent such as water, tetrahydroifuran, or the like, and adding an alkali to the resulting solution and heating the solution.

Examples of the alkali include sodium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide and lithium hydroxide.

The amount of the alkali used is preferably 1 to 5 moles, and more preferably 2 to 4 moles, per 1 mole of the compound (I-1).

The heating temperature is preferably 20 to 120° C., and more preferably about 50 to 100° C. The heating time depends on the heating temperature, but in general, the heating time is preferably 0.5 to 12 hours, and more preferably 1 to 5 hours.

After the alkali treatment, neutralization may be conducted. The neutralization can be conducted by adding an acid such as hydrochloric acid, sulfuric acid, p-toluenesulfonic acid, or the like to the reaction liquid obtained after the alkali treatment. It is preferable to conduct the neutralization so that the pH of the reaction liquid after addition of an acid becomes within the range of 6 to 8.

After the reaction, the compound (I-2) within the reaction liquid may be separated and purified. The separation and purification can be conducted by a conventional method. For example, any one of concentration, solvent extraction, distillation, crystallization, recrystallization and chromatography can be used alone, or two or more of these methods may be used in combination.

Step (ii) above may be performed, for example, by dissolving the compound (I-2) in a solvent such as acetonitrile, methyl ethyl ketone, or the like, and adding an acid to the resulting solution and heating the solution.

In step (ii), as the acid, an acid which exhibits stronger acidity that the compound (I-3) is used. Examples of such an acid include p-toluenesulfonic acid, sulfuric acid and hydrochloric acid.

The amount of the acid used is preferably 0.5 to 3 moles, and more preferably 1 to 2 moles, per 1 mole of the compound (I-2).

The heating temperature is preferably 20 to 150° C., and more preferably about 50 to 120° C. The heating time depends on the heating temperature, but in general, the heating time is preferably 0.5 to 12 hours, and more preferably 1 to 5 hours.

After the reaction, the compound (I-3) within the reaction liquid may be separated and purified. The separation and purification can be conducted by a conventional method. For example, any one of concentration, solvent extraction, distillation, crystallization, recrystallization and chromatography can be used alone, or two or more of these methods may be used in combination.

The dehydration/condensation reaction of the compound (I-3) and the compound (I-4) can be conducted, for example, by dissolving the compound (I-3) and the compound (I-4) in an aprotic organic solvent such as dichloroethane, benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, chlorobenzene, acetonitrile or N,N-dimethylformamide, followed by heating.

In the dehydration/condensation reaction, as the organic solvent, it is particularly desirable to use an aromatic organic solvent such as toluene, xylene or chlorobenzene, as the yield, purity and the like of the obtained compound (I) are improved.

The reaction temperature for the dehydration/condensation reaction is preferably about 20 to 200° C., and more preferably 50 to 150° C. The reaction time varies, depending on the reactivity of the compound (I-3) and the compound (I-4), the reaction temperature, and the like, but in general, the reaction time is preferably 1 to 30 hours, and more preferably 3 to 30 hours.

In the dehydration/condensation reaction, the amount of the compound (I-3) is not particularly limited, but in general, the amount of the compound (I-3) is preferably 0.2 to 3 moles, more preferably 0.5 to 2 moles, and most preferably 0.75 to 1.5 moles, per 1 mole of the compound (I-4).

The dehydration/condensation reaction may be conducted in the presence of an acidic catalyst.

Examples of acidic catalysts include an organic acid such as p-toluenesulfonic acid, and organic acids such as sulfuric acid and hydrochloric acid. These acidic catalysts may be used individually, or in a combination of two or more.

In the dehydration/condensation reaction, the acidic catalyst may be used in a catalyst amount, or in an amount corresponding to the solvent. In general, the amount of the acidic catalyst is 0.001 to 5 moles, per 1 mole of the compound (I-4).

The dehydration/condensation reaction may be conducted by using a Dean-Stark apparatus for the dehydration. In this manner, the reaction time can be shortened.

Further, in the dehydration/condensation reaction, a dehydrating agent such as 1,1′-carbonyldiimidazole or N.N′-dicyclohexylcarbodiimide may also be used.

When a dehydrating agent is used, in general, the amount of the dehydrating agent is preferably 0.2 to 5 moles, more preferably 0.5 to 3 moles, per 1 mole of the compound (I-4).

The structure of the compound obtained in the above-described manner can be confirmed by a general organic analysis method such as ¹H-nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectrometry, ¹³C-NMR spectrometry, ¹⁹F-NMR spectrometry, infrared absorption (IR) spectrometry, mass spectrometry (MS), elementary analysis and X-ray diffraction analysis.

<<Compound (B1)>>

The compound (B1) of the present invention is represented by general formula (b1-1) above.

In general formula (b1-1), X, R², a, Q¹, Y¹ are respectively as defined for X, R², a, Q¹, Y¹ in general formula (I) above.

As the organic cation for A⁺, there is no particular limitation, and any of those conventionally known as cation moiety for an onium salt-based acid generator can be appropriately selected for use. More specifically, a cation moiety represented by general formula (b′-1), (b′-2), (b′-5) or (b-6) show below can be preferably used.

wherein R¹″ to R³″, R⁵″ and R⁶″ each independently represents an aryl group or alkyl group, wherein two of R¹″ to R³″ in formula (b′-1) may be bonded to each other to form a ring with the sulfur atom, with the proviso that at least one of R¹″ to R³″ represents an aryl group, and at least one of R⁵″ and R⁶″ represents an aryl group.

wherein R⁴⁰ represents a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group; R⁴¹ represents an alkyl group, an acetyl group, a carboxy group or a hydroxyalkyl group; each of R⁴² to R⁴⁶ independently represents an alkyl group, an acetyl group, an alkoxy group, a carboxy group, a hydroxyl group or a hydroxyalkyl group; each of n₀ to n₅ independently represents an integer of 0 to 3, with the proviso that n₀+n₁ is 5 or less; and n₆ represents an integer of 0 to 2.

In formula (b′-1), R¹″ to R³″ each independently represents an aryl group or an alkyl group. In formula (b′-1), two of R¹″ to R³″ may be bonded to each other to form a ring with the sulfur atom.

Further, among R¹″ to R³″, at least one group represents an aryl group. Among R¹″ to R³″, two or more groups are preferably aryl groups, and it is particularly desirable that all of R¹″ to R³″ are aryl groups.

The aryl group for R¹″ to R³″ is not particularly limited. Examples thereof include an unsubstituted aryl group having 6 to 20 carbon atoms, a substituted aryl group in which a part or all of the hydrogen atoms of the aforementioned unsubstituted aryl group has been substituted with alkyl groups, alkoxy groups, alkoxyalkyloxy groups, alkoxycarbonylalkyloxy groups, halogen atoms, hydroxyl groups or the like, and —(R⁴′)—C—(═O)—R⁵′. R⁴′ represents an alkylene group of 1 to 5 carbon atoms. R⁵′ represents an aryl group. As the aryl group for R⁵′, the same as the aryl group for R¹″ to R³″ can be exemplified.

The unsubstituted aryl group is preferably an aryl group having 6 to 10 carbon atoms because it can be synthesized at a low cost. Specific examples thereof include a phenyl group and naphthyl group.

The alkyl group as the substituent for the substituted aryl group is preferably an alkyl group having 1 to 5 carbon atoms, and most preferably a methyl group, an ethyl group, a propyl group, an n-butyl group, or a tert-butyl group.

The alkoxy group as the substituent for the substituted aryl group is preferably an alkoxy group having 1 to 5 carbon atoms, and most preferably a methoxy group, ethoxy group, n-propoxy group, iso-propoxy group, n-butoxy group or tert-butoxy group.

The halogen atom as the substituent for the substituted aryl group is preferably a fluorine atom.

Examples of the alkoxyalkyloxy group as the substituent for the substituted aryl group include a group represented by a general formula: —O—C(R⁴⁷)(R⁴⁸)—O—R⁴⁹ (wherein each of R⁴⁷ and R⁴⁸ independently represents a hydrogen atom or a linear or branched alkyl group; and R⁴⁹ represents an alkyl group).

The alkyl group for R⁴⁷ and R⁴⁸ preferably has 1 to 5 carbon atoms, and may be either linear or branched, and is preferably an ethyl group or a methyl group, and most preferably a methyl group.

It is preferable that at least one of R⁴⁷ and R⁴⁸ be a hydrogen atom, and it is particularly desirable that either one of R⁴⁷ and R⁴⁸ be a hydrogen atom, and the other be a hydrogen atom or a methyl group.

The alkyl group for R⁴⁹ preferably has 1 to 15 carbon atoms, and may be linear, branched or cyclic.

The linear or branched alkyl group for R⁴⁹ preferably has 1 to 5 carbon atoms. Examples thereof include a methyl group, ethyl group, propyl group, n-butyl group and tert-butyl group.

The cyclic alkyl group for R⁴⁹ preferably has 4 to 15 carbon atoms, more preferably 4 to 12 carbon atoms, and most preferably 5 to 10 carbon atoms. Specific examples thereof include groups in which one or more hydrogen atoms have been removed from a monocycloalkane or a polycycloalkane such as a bicycloalkane, tricycloalkane or tetracycloalkane, and which may or may not be substituted with alkyl groups of 1 to 5 carbon atoms, fluorine atoms or fluorinated alkyl groups. Examples of the monocycloalkane include cyclopentane and cyclohexane. Examples of polycycloalkane include adamantane, norbomane, isobomane, tricyclodecane and tetracyclododecane. Among these, groups in which one or more hydrogen atoms have been removed from adamantane are preferable.

An example of the alkoxycarbonylalkyloxy group as the substituent for the substituted aryl group includes a group represented by a general formula: —O—R⁵⁰—C(═O)—O—R⁵¹ (wherein R⁵⁰ represents a linear or branched alkylene group; and R⁵¹ represents a tertiary alkyl group).

The linear or branched alkylene group for R⁵⁰ preferably has 1 to 5 carbon atoms, and examples thereof include a methylene group, ethylene group, trimethylene group, tetramethylene group and 1,1-dimethylethylene group.

Examples of tertiary alkyl groups for R⁵¹ include 2-methyl-2-adamantyl group, 2-ethyl-2-adamantyl group, 1-methyl-1-cyclopentyl group, 1-ethyl-1-cyclopentyl group, 1-methyl-1-cyclohexyl group, 1-ethyl-1-cyclohexyl group, 1-(1-adamantyl)-1-methylethyl group, 1-(1-adamantyl)-1-methylpropyl group, 1-(1l -adamantyl)-1-methylbutyl group, 1-(1-adamantyl)-1-methylpentyl group, 1-(1-cyclopentyl)-1-methylethyl group, 1-(1-cyclopentyl)-1-methylpropyl group, 1-(1-cyclopentyl)-1-methylbutyl group, 1-(1-cyclopentyl)-1-methylpentyl group, 1-(1-cyclohexyl)-1-methylethyl group, 1-(1-cyclohexyl)-1-methylpropyl group, 1-(1-cyclohexyl)-1-methylbutyl group, 1-(1-cyclohexyl)-1-methylpentyl group, tert-butyl group, tert-pentyl group and tert-hexyl group.

The aryl group for R¹″ to R³″ is preferably a phenyl group or a naphthyl group.

The alkyl group for R¹″ to R³″ is not particularly limited and includes, for example, a linear, branched or cyclic alkyl group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms. In terms of achieving excellent resolution, the alkyl group preferably has 1 to 5 carbon atoms. Specific examples thereof include a methyl group, an ethyl group, an n-propyl group, an isopropyl group, an n-butyl group, an isobutyl group, an n-pentyl group, a cyclopentyl group, a hexyl group, a cyclohexyl group, a nonyl group, and a decanyl group. Among these, a linear alkyl group is preferable, and a methyl group is most preferable because it is excellent in resolution and can be synthesized at a low cost.

When two of R¹″ to R³″ are bonded to each other to form a ring with the sulfur atom, it is preferable that the two of R¹″ to R²″ form a 3 to 10-membered ring including the sulfur atom, and it is particularly desirable that the two of R¹″ to R³″ form a 5 to 7-membered ring including the sulfur atom.

When two of R¹″ to R³″ are bonded to each other to form a ring with the sulfur atom, the remaining one of R¹″ to R³″ is preferably an aryl group. As examples of the aryl group, the same as the above-mentioned aryl groups for R¹″ to R³″ can be exemplified.

Specific examples of cation moiety represented by general formula (b′-1) include triphenylsulfonium, (3,5-dimethylphenyl)diphenylsulfonium, (4-(2-adamantoxymethyloxy)-3,5-dimethylphenyl)diphenylsulfonium, (4-(2-adamantoxymethyloxy)phenyl)diphenylsulfonium, (4-(tert-butoxycarbonylmethyloxy)phenyl)diphenylsulfonium, (4-(tert-butoxycarbonylmethyloxy)-3,5-dimethylphenyl)diphenylsulfonium, (4-(2-methyl-2-adamantyloxycarbonylmethyloxy)phenyl)diphenylsulfonium, (4-(2-methyl-2-adamantyloxycarbonylmethyloxy)-3,5-dimethylphenyl) diphenylsulfonium, tri(4-methylphenyl)sulfonium, dimethyl(4-hydroxynaphthyl)sulfonium, monophenyldimethylsulfonium, diphenylmonomethylsulfonium, (4-methylphenyl)diphenylsulfonium, (4-methoxyphenyl)diphenylsulfonium, tri(4-tert-butyl)phenylsulfonium, diphenyl(1-(4-methoxy)naphthyl)sulfonium, di(1-naphthyl)phenylsulfonium, 1-phenyltetrahydrothiophenium, 1-(4-methylphenyl)tetrahydrothiophenium, 1-(3,5-dimethyl-4-hydroxyphenyl)tetrahydrothiophenium, 1-(4-methoxynaphthalene-1-yl)tetrahydrothiophenium, 1-(4-ethoxynaphthalene-1-yl)tetrahydrothiophenium, 1-(4-n-butoxynaphthalene-1-yl)tetrahydrothiophenium, 1-phenyltetrahydrothiopyranium, 1-(4-hydroxyphenyl)tetrahydrothiopyranium, 1-(3,5-dimethyl-4-hydroxyphenyl)tetrahydrothiopyranium and 1-(4-methylphenyl)tetrahydrothiopyranium.

In formula (b′-2), R⁵″ and R⁶″ each independently represents an aryl group or alkyl group. At least one of R⁵″ and R⁶″ represents an aryl group. It is preferable that both of R⁵″ and R⁶″ represent an aryl group.

As the aryl group for R⁵″ and R⁶″, the same as the aryl groups for R¹″ to R³″ can be exemplified.

As the alkyl group for R⁵″ and R⁶″, the same as the alkyl groups for R¹″ to R³″ can be exemplified.

It is particularly desirable that both of R⁵″ and R⁶″ represents a phenyl group.

Specific examples of cation moiety represented by general formula (b′-2) include diphenyliodonium and bis(4-tert-butylphenyl)iodonium.

In general formulas (b′-5) and (b-6), with respect to R⁴⁰ to R⁴⁶, the alkyl group is preferably an alkyl group of 1 to 5 carbon atoms, more preferably a linear or branched alkyl group, and most preferably a methyl group, ethyl group, propyl group, isopropyl group, n-butyl group or tert butyl group.

The alkoxy group is preferably an alkoxy group of 1 to 5 carbon atoms, more preferably a linear or branched alkoxy group, and most preferably a methoxy group or ethoxy group.

The hydroxyalkyl group is preferably the aforementioned alkyl group in which one or more hydrogen atoms have been substituted with hydroxy groups, and examples thereof include a hydroxymethyl group, hydroxyethyl group and hydroxypropyl group.

n₀ is preferably 0 or 1.

n₁ is preferably 0 to 2.

It is preferable that each of n₂ and n₃ independently represent 0 or 1, and more preferably 0.

n₄ is preferably 0 to 2, and more preferably 0 or 1.

n₅ is preferably 0 or 1, and more preferably 0.

n₆ is preferably 0 or 1.

In the present invention, as A⁺, a cation moiety represented by general formula (b′-1) or (b′-5) is preferable. Especially, a cation moiety represented by any one of formulas (b′-1-1) to (b′-1-11) and (b′-5-11) to (b′-5-4) shown below are preferable, and a cation moiety having a triphenyl skeleton such as a cation moiety represented by any one of formulas (b′-1-1) to (b′-1-8) shown below are more preferable.

In formula (b′-1-8), R⁷ represents an alkyl group of 1 to 5 carbon atoms. The alkyl group is preferably a linear or branched alkyl group, and most preferably a methyl group or an n-butyl group.

In formula (b′-1-9), each R⁷′ independently represents an alkyl group of 1 to 10 carbon atoms. As the alkyl group for R⁷′, the same as the alkyl groups for R¹″ to R³″ above may be exemplified. R⁷′ is preferably a linear or branched alkyl group, more preferably a linear alkyl group, and most preferably an n-butyl group.

In formulas (b′-1-10) and (b′-1-11), each of R⁸ and R⁹ independently represents a phenyl group or naphthyl group which may have a substituent, an alkyl group of 1 to 5 carbon atoms, an alkoxy group or a hydroxy group. As the substituent which the phenyl group or naphthyl group may have, the same as the substituents for the aryl group for R¹″ to R³″ above may be exemplified. As the substituent, an alkyl group is particularly desirable.

a is an integer of 1 to 3, and most preferably 1 or 2.

The method for producing the compound (B1) is not particularly limited. For example, the compound (B1) can be produced by reacting the aforementioned compound (I) with a compound (II) represented by general formula (II) shown below.

[Chemical Formula 11] A⁺Z⁻  (11) wherein A⁺ is as defined for A⁺ in general formula (b1-1) above; and Z⁻ represents a low nucleophilic halogen ion, an ion which is capable of generating an acid exhibiting a lower acidity than the compound (I), BF₄ ⁻, AsF₆ ⁻, SbF₆ ⁻, PF₆ ⁻ or ClO₄ ⁻.

As the low nucleophilic halogen ion for Z⁻, a bromine ion and a chlorine ion can be exemplified.

As the ion for Z⁻ which is capable of generating an acid exhibiting a lower acidity than the compound (I), a p-toluenesulfonic acid ion, a methanesulfonic acid ion, a benzenesulfonic acid ion, a trifluoromethanesulfonic acid ion and a butylsulfuric acid ion can be exemplified.

The compound (I) can be reacted with the compound (II), for example, by dissolving the compound (I) and the compound (II) in a solvent such as water, dichloromethane, acetonitrile, methanol, chloroform or methylene chloride, and stirring the resulting solution to effect a reaction.

The reaction temperature is preferably 0 to 150° C., and more preferably 0 to 100° C. The reaction time varies, depending on the reactivity of the compound (I) and the compound (II), the reaction temperature, and the like. However, in general, the reaction time is preferably 0.5 to 10 hours, and more preferably 1 to 5 hours.

Generally, the amount of the compound (II) used in the reaction is preferably 0.5 to 2 moles, per 1 mole of the compound (I).

The structure of the compound obtained in the above-described manner can be confirmed by a general organic analysis method such as ¹H-nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectrometry, ¹³C-NMR spectrometry, ¹⁹F-NMR spectrometry, infrared absorption (IR) spectrometry, mass spectrometry (MS), elementary analysis and X-ray diffraction analysis.

The compound (B1) is a novel compound useful as an acid generator, and can be blended within a resist composition.

<<Acid Generator>>

The acid generator of the present invention consists of the compound (B1) according to the aforementioned fifth aspect.

The acid generator is useful as an acid generator for a chemically amplified resist composition, for example, an acid-generator component (B) for the resist composition of the present invention described below.

<<Resist Composition>>

The resist composition of the present invention includes a base component (A) (hereafter, referred to as “component (A)”) which exhibits changed solubility in an alkali developing solution under action of acid and an acid-generator component (B) (hereafter, referred to as “component (B)”) which generates acid upon exposure, and the component (B) includes an acid generator (B1) consisting of a compound represented by general formula (b1-1) above.

With respect to a resist film formed using the resist composition, when a selective exposure is conducted during formation of a resist pattern, acid is generated from the component (B), and the generated acid acts on the component (A) to change the solubility of the component (A) in an alkali developing solution. As a result, the solubility of the exposed portions in an alkali developing solution is changed, whereas the solubility of the unexposed portions in an alkali developing solution remains unchanged. Therefore, the exposed portions are dissolved and removed by alkali developing in the case of a positive resist composition, whereas unexposed portions are dissolved and removed in the case of a negative resist composition, and hence, a resist pattern can be formed.

The resist composition of the present invention may be either a negative resist composition or a positive resist composition.

<Component (A)>

As the component (A), an organic compound typically used as a base component for a chemically amplified resist composition can be used alone, or two or more of such organic compounds can be mixed together.

Here, the term “base component” refers to an organic compound capable of forming a film, and is preferably an organic compound having a molecular weight of 500 or more. When the organic compound has a molecular weight of 500 or more, the film-forming ability is improved, and a resist pattern of nano level can be easily formed.

The organic compounds having a molecular weight of 500 or more are broadly classified into low molecular weight organic compounds having a molecular weight of 500 to less than 2,000 (hereafter, frequently referred to as “low molecular weight compounds”) and high molecular weight resins (polymeric materials) having a molecular weight of 2,000 or more. Generally, as the aforementioned low molecular weight compound, a non-polymer is used. With respect to the aforementioned resin (polymer or copolymer), the molecular weight is the polystyrene equivalent value determined by gel permeation chromatography (GPC). Hereafter, a “resin” refers to a resin having a molecular weight of 2,000 or more.

As the component (A), a resin which exhibits changed solubility in an alkali developing solution under action of acid may be used. Alternatively, as the component (A), a low molecular weight material which exhibits changed solubility in an alkali developing solution under action of acid may be used.

When the resist composition of the present invention is a negative resist composition, for example, as the component (A), a base component that is soluble in an alkali developing solution is used, and a cross-linking agent is blended in the negative resist composition.

In the negative resist composition, when acid is generated from the component (B) upon exposure, the action of the generated acid causes cross-linking between the base component and the cross-linking agent, and the cross-linked portion becomes insoluble in an alkali developing solution. Therefore, in the formation of a resist pattern, by conducting selective exposure of a resist film formed by applying the negative resist composition onto a substrate, the exposed portions become insoluble in an alkali developing solution, whereas the unexposed portions remain soluble in an alkali developing solution, and hence, a resist pattern can be formed by alkali developing.

Generally, as the component (A) for a negative resist composition, a resin that is soluble in an alkali developing solution hereafter, referred to as “alkali-soluble resin”) is used.

As the alkali-soluble resin, it is preferable to use a resin having a structural unit derived from at least one of α-(hydroxyalkyl)acrylic acid and a lower alkyl ester of α-(hydroxyalkyl)acrylic acid, as it enables formation of a satisfactory resist pattern with minimal swelling. Here, the term “α-(hydroxyalkyl) acrylic acid” refers to one or both of acrylic acid in which a hydrogen atom is bonded to the carbon atom on the α-position having the carboxyl group bonded thereto, and α-hydroxyalkylacrylic acid in which a hydroxyalkyl group (preferably a hydroxyalkyl group of 1 to 5 carbon atoms) is bonded to the carbon atom on the α-position.

As the cross-linking agent, typically, an amino-based cross-linking agent such as a glycoluril having a methylol group or alkoxymethyl group is preferable, as it enables formation of a resist pattern with minimal swelling. The amount of the cross-linking agent added is preferably within the range from 1 to 50 parts by weight, relative to 100 parts by weight of the alkali-soluble resin.

When the resist composition of the present invention is a positive resist composition, as the component (A), a base component which exhibits increased solubility in an alkali developing solution by action of acid is used. The component (A) is insoluble in an alkali developing solution prior to exposure, and when acid is generated from the component (B) upon exposure, the solubility of the component (A) in an alkali developing solution increases. Therefore, in the formation of a resist pattern, by conducting selective exposure of a resist film formed by applying the positive resist composition onto a substrate, the exposed portions changes from an insoluble state to a soluble state in an alkali developing solution, whereas the unexposed portions remain insoluble in an alkali developing solution, and hence, a resist pattern can be formed by alkali developing.

In the resist composition of the present invention, the component (A) is preferably a base component which exhibits increased solubility in an alkali developing solution under action of acid. That is, the resist composition of the present invention is preferably a positive resist composition.

The component (A) may be a resin component (A1) which exhibits increased solubility in an alkali developing solution under action of acid (hereafter, referred to as “component (A1)”), a low molecular weight compound (A2) which exhibits increased solubility in an alkali developing solution under action of acid (hereafter, referred to as “component (A2)”), or a mixture of the component (A1) and the component (A2).

[Component (A1)]

As the component (A1), a resin component (base resin) typically used as a base component for a chemically amplified resist composition can be used alone, or two or more of such resin components can be mixed together.

In the present invention, it is preferable that the component (A1) include a structural unit derived from an acrylate ester.

In the present descriptions and the claims, the term “structural unit derived from an acrylate ester” refers to a structural unit which is formed by the cleavage of the ethylenic double bond of an acrylate ester.

The term “acrylate ester” is a generic term that includes acrylate esters having a hydrogen atom bonded to the carbon atom on the α-position, and acrylate esters having a substituent (an atom other than a hydrogen atom or a group) bonded to the carbon atom on the α-position. As the substituent, a lower alkyl group or a halogenated lower alkyl group can be mentioned.

With respect to the “structural unit derived from an acrylate ester”, the “α-position (the carbon atom on the α-position)” refers to the carbon atom having the carbonyl group bonded thereto, unless specified otherwise.

With respect to the acrylate ester, specific examples of the lower alkyl group for the substituent at the α-position include linear or branched alkyl groups such as a methyl group, ethyl group, propyl group, isopropyl group, n-butyl group, isobutyl group, tert-butyl group, pentyl group, isopentyl group, and neopentyl group.

Specific examples of the halogenated lower alkyl group include groups in which some or all of the hydrogen atoms of the aforementioned “lower alkyl group for the substituent at the α-position” are substituted with halogen atoms Examples of halogen atoms include fluorine atoms, chlorine atoms, bromine atoms and iodine atoms, and fluorine atoms are particularly desirable.

In the present invention, it is preferable that a hydrogen atom, a lower alkyl group or a halogenated lower alkyl group is bonded to the α-position of the acrylate ester, more preferably a hydrogen atom, a lower alkyl group or a fluorinated lower alkyl group. In terms of industrial availability, a hydrogen atom or a methyl group is particularly desirable.

It is particularly desirable that the component (A1) have a structural unit (a1) derived from an acrylate ester containing an acid dissociable, dissolution inhibiting group.

Further, it is preferable that the component (A1) have a structural unit (a2) derived from an acrylate ester containing a lactone-containing cyclic group, as well as the structural unit (a1).

Furthermore, it is preferable that the component (A1) have a structural unit (a3) derived from an acrylate ester containing a polar group-containing aliphatic hydrocarbon group, as well as the structural unit (a1), or the structural unit (a1) and the structural unit (a2).

Structural Unit (a1)

As the acid dissociable, dissolution inhibiting group in the structural unit (a1), any of the groups that have been proposed as acid dissociable, dissolution inhibiting groups for the base resins of chemically amplified resists can be used, provided the group has an alkali dissolution-inhibiting effect that renders the entire component (A1) insoluble in an alkali developing solution prior to dissociation, and then following dissociation by action of acid, increases the solubility of the entire component (A1) in the alkali developing solution.

Generally, groups that form either a cyclic or chain-like tertiary alkyl ester with the carboxyl group of the (meth)acrylic acid, and acetal-type acid dissociable, dissolution inhibiting groups such as alkoxyalkyl groups are widely known.

Here, a tertiary alkyl ester describes a structure in which an ester is formed by substituting the hydrogen atom of a carboxyl group with a chain-like or cyclic tertiary alkyl group, and a tertiary carbon atom within the chain-like or cyclic tertiary alkyl group is bonded to the oxygen atom at the terminal of the carbonyloxy group (—C(O)—O—). In this tertiary alkyl ester, the action of acid causes cleavage of the bond between the oxygen atom and the tertiary carbon atom.

The chain-like or cyclic alkyl group may have a substituent.

Hereafter, for the sake of simplicity, groups that exhibit acid dissociability as a result of the formation of a tertiary alkyl ester with a carboxyl group are referred to as “tertiary alkyl ester-type acid dissociable, dissolution inhibiting groups”.

Examples of tertiary alkyl ester-type acid dissociable, dissolution inhibiting groups include aliphatic branched, acid dissociable, dissolution inhibiting groups and aliphatic cyclic group-containing acid dissociable, dissolution inhibiting groups.

The term “aliphatic branched” refers to a branched structure having no aromaticity.

The “aliphatic branched, acid dissociable, dissolution inhibiting group” is not limited to be constituted of only carbon atoms and hydrogen atoms (not limited to hydrocarbon groups), but is preferably a hydrocarbon group.

Further, the “hydrocarbon group” may be either saturated or unsaturated, but is preferably saturated.

Examples of aliphatic branched, acid dissociable, dissolution inhibiting groups include tertiary alkyl groups of 4 to 8 carbon atoms, and specific examples include a tert-butyl group, tert-pentyl group and tert-heptyl group.

The term “aliphatic cyclic group” refers to a monocyclic group or polycyclic group that has no aromaticity.

The “aliphatic cyclic group” within the structural unit (a1) may or may not have a substituent. Examples of substituents include lower alkyl groups of 1 to 5 carbon atoms, fluorine atom, fluorinated lower alkyl groups of 1 to 5 carbon atoms, and oxygen atom (═O).

The basic ring of the “aliphatic cyclic group” exclusive of substituents is not limited to be constituted from only carbon and hydrogen (not limited to hydrocarbon groups), but is preferably a hydrocarbon group. Further, the “hydrocarbon group” may be either saturated or unsaturated, but is preferably saturated. Furthermore, the “aliphatic cyclic group” is preferably a polycyclic group.

As such aliphatic cyclic groups, groups in which one or more hydrogen atoms have been removed from a monocycloalkane or a polycycloalkane such as a bicycloalkane, tricycloalkane or tetracycloalkane which may or may not be substituted with a lower alkyl group, a fluorine atom or a fluorinated lower alkyl group, may be exemplified. Specific examples include groups in which one or more hydrogen atoms have been removed from a monocycloalkane such as cyclopentane and cyclohexane; and groups in which one or more hydrogen atoms have been removed from a polycycloalkane such as adarnantane, norbomane, isobomane, tricyclodecane or tetracyclododecane.

As the aliphatic cyclic group-containing acid dissociable, dissolution inhibiting group, for example, a group which has a tertiary carbon atom on the ring structure of the cycloalkyl group can be mentioned. Specific examples include 2-methyl-2-adamantyl group and a 2-ethyl-2-adamantyl group. Further, groups having an aliphatic cyclic group such as an adamantyl group, cyclohexyl group, cyclopentyl group, norbornyl group, tricyclodecanyl group or tetracyclododecanyl group, and a branched alkylene group having a tertiary carbon atom bonded thereto, as the groups bonded to the oxygen atom of the carbonyl group (—C(O)—O—) within the structural units represented by general formulas (a1″-1) to (a1″-6) shown below, can be exemplified.

wherein R represents a hydrogen atom, a lower alkyl group or a halogenated lower alkyl group; and R¹⁵ and R¹⁶ each independently represents an alkyl group (which may be linear or branched, and preferably has 1 to 5 carbon atoms).

In general formulas (a1″-1) to (a1″-6) above, the lower alkyl group or halogenated lower alkyl group for R are the same as the lower alkyl group or halogenated lower alkyl group which can be bonded to the α-position of the aforementioned acrylate ester.

An “acetal-type acid dissociable, dissolution inhibiting group” generally substitutes a hydrogen atom at the terminal of an alkali-soluble group such as a carboxy group or hydroxyl group, so as to be bonded with an oxygen atom. When acid is generated upon exposure, the generated acid acts to break the bond between the acetal-type acid dissociable, dissolution inhibiting group and the oxygen atom to which the acetal-type, acid dissociable, dissolution inhibiting group is bonded.

Examples of acetal-type acid dissociable, dissolution inhibiting groups include groups represented by general formula (p1) shown below.

wherein R¹′ and R²′ each independently represents a hydrogen atom or a lower alkyl group; n represents an integer of 0 to 3; and Y represents a lower alkyl group or an aliphatic cyclic group.

In general formula (p1) above, n is preferably an integer of 0 to 2, more preferably 0 or 1, and most preferably 0.

As the lower alkyl group for R¹′ and R²′ the same as the lower alkyl groups for R above can be exemplified. As the lower alkyl group for R¹′ and R²′, a methyl group or ethyl group is preferable, and a methyl group is particularly desirable.

In the present invention, it is preferable that at least one of R¹′ and R²′ be a hydrogen atom. That is, it is preferable that the acid dissociable, dissolution inhibiting group (p1) is a group represented by general formula (p1-1) shown below.

wherein R¹′, n and Y are as defined above.

As the lower alkyl group for Y, the same as the lower alkyl groups for R above can be exemplified.

As the aliphatic cyclic group for Y, any of the aliphatic monocyclic/polycyclic groups which have been proposed for conventional ArF resists and the like can be appropriately selected for use. For example, the same groups described above in connection with the “aliphatic cyclic group” can be exemplified.

Further, as the acetal-type, acid dissociable, dissolution inhibiting group, groups represented by general formula (p2) shown below can also be exemplified.

wherein R¹⁷ and R¹⁸ each independently represents a linear or branched alkyl group or a hydrogen atom; and R¹⁹ represents a linear, branched or cyclic alkyl group; or R¹⁷ and R¹⁹ each independently represents a linear or branched alkylene group, wherein the terminal of R¹⁷ is bonded to the terminal of R¹⁹ to form a ring.

The alkyl group for R¹⁷ and R¹⁸ preferably has 1 to 15 carbon atoms, and may be either linear or branched. As the alkyl group, an ethyl group or a methyl group is preferable, and a methyl group is most preferable.

It is particularly desirable that either one of R¹⁷ and R¹⁸ be a hydrogen atom, and the other be a methyl group.

R¹⁹ represents a linear, branched or cyclic alkyl group which preferably has 1 to 15 carbon atoms, and may be any of linear, branched or cyclic.

When R¹⁹ represents a linear or branched alkyl group, it is preferably an alkyl group of 1 to 5 carbon atoms, more preferably an ethyl group or methyl group, and most preferably an ethyl group.

When R¹⁹ represents a cycloalkyl group, it preferably has 4 to 15 carbon atoms, more preferably 4 to 12 carbon atoms, and most preferably 5 to 10 carbon atoms. As examples of the cycloalkyl group, groups in which one or more hydrogen atoms have been removed from a monocycloalkane or a polycycloalkane such as a bicycloalkane, tricycloalkane or tetracycloalkane, which may or may not be substituted with a fluorine atom or a fluorinated alkyl group, may be exemplified. Specific examples include groups in which one or more hydrogen atoms have been removed from a monocycloalkane such as cyclopentane or cyclohexane, and groups in which one or more hydrogen atoms have been removed from a polycycloalkane such as adamantane, norbomane, isobornane, tricyclodecane or tetracyclododecane. Of these, a group in which one or more hydrogen atoms have been removed from adamantane is preferable.

In general formula p2) above, R¹⁷ and R¹⁹ may each independently represent a linear or branched alkylene group (preferably an alkylene group of 1 to 5 carbon atoms), and the terminal of R¹⁹ may be bonded to the terminal of R¹⁷.

In such a case, a cyclic group is formed by R¹⁷, R¹⁹, the oxygen atom having R¹⁹ bonded thereto and the carbon atom having the oxygen atom and R¹⁷ bonded thereto. Such a cyclic group is preferably a 4 to 7-membered ring, and more preferably a 4 to 6-membered ring. Specific examples of the cyclic group include tetrahydropyranyl group and tetrahydrofuranyl group.

As the structural unit (a1), it is preferable to use at least one member selected from the group consisting of structural units represented by formula (a1-0-1) shown below and structural units represented by formula (a1-0-2) shown below.

wherein R represents a hydrogen atom, a lower alkyl group or a halogenated lower alkyl group; and X¹ represents an acid dissociable, dissolution inhibiting group.

wherein R represents a hydrogen atom, a lower alkyl group or a halogenated lower alkyl group; X² represents an acid dissociable, dissolution inhibiting group; and Y² represents an alkylene group or an aliphatic cyclic group.

In general formula (a1-0-1) shown above, lower alkyl group and halogenated lower alkyl group for R are the same as the lower alkyl group and halogenated lower alkyl group which can be bonded to the α-position of the aforementioned acrylate ester.

X¹ is not particularly limited as long as it is an acid dissociable, dissolution inhibiting group. Examples thereof include the aforementioned tertiary alkyl ester-type acid dissociable, dissolution inhibiting groups and acetal-type acid dissociable, dissolution inhibiting groups, and tertiary alkyl ester-type acid dissociable, dissolution inhibiting groups are preferable.

In general formula (a1-0-2), R is as defined above.

X² is the same as X¹ in general formula (a1-0-1).

Y² is preferably an alkylene group of 1 to 10 carbon atoms or a divalent aliphatic cyclic group. As the aliphatic cyclic group, the same as those exemplified above in connection with the explanation of “aliphatic cyclic group” can be used, except that two hydrogen atoms have been removed therefrom.

When Y² represents an alkylene group of 1 to 10 carbon atoms, it is more preferable that the number of carbons is 1 to 6, still more preferably 1 to 4, and most preferably 1 to 3.

When Y² represents a divalent aliphatic cyclic group, it is particularly desirable that the divalent aliphatic cyclic group be a group in which two or more hydrogen atoms have been removed from cyclopentane, cyclohexane, norbomane, isobornane, adamantane, tricyclodecane or tetracyclododecane.

Specific examples of the structural unit (a1) include structural units represented by general formulas (a1-1) to (a1-4) shown below.

wherein X′ represents a tertiary alkyl ester-type acid dissociable, dissolution inhibiting group; Y represents a lower alkyl group of 1 to 5 carbon atoms or an aliphatic cyclic group; n represents an integer of 0 to 3; Y² represents an alkylene group or an aliphatic cyclic group; R is as defined above; and R¹′ and R²′ each independently represents a hydrogen atom or a lower alkyl group of 1 to 5 carbon atoms.

Examples of the tertiary alkyl ester-type acid dissociable, dissolution inhibiting group for X′ are the same as the above-exemplified tertiary alkyl ester-type acid dissociable, dissolution inhibiting groups for X¹.

As R¹′, R²′, n and Y, the same as R¹′, R²′, n and Y defined for general formula (p1) described above in connection with the “acetal-type acid dissociable, dissolution inhibiting group” may be exemplified.

As Y², the same as Y² defined for general formula (a1-0-2) above may be exemplified.

Specific examples of structural units represented by general formula (a1-1) to (a1-4) are shown below.

As the structural unit (a1), one type may be used alone, or two or more types may be used in combination.

Among these, structural units represented by general formula (a1-1) are preferable. More specifically, at least one structural unit selected from the group consisting of structural units represented by formulas (a1-1-1) to (a-1-1-6) and (a1-1-35) to (a1-1-41) is more preferable.

Further, as the structural unit (a1), structural units represented by general formula (a1-1-01) shown below which includes the structural units represented by formulas (a1-1-1) to (a1-1-4), and structural units represented by general formula (a1-1-02) shown below which includes the structural units represented by formulas (a1-1-35) to (a1-1-41) are also preferable.

wherein R represents a hydrogen atom, a lower alkyl group or a halogenated lower alkyl group; and R¹¹ represents a lower alkyl group.

wherein R represents a hydrogen atom, a lower alkyl group or a halogenated lower alkyl group; R¹² represents a lower alkyl group; and h represents an integer of 1 to 3.

In general formula (a1-1-01), R is as defined above. The lower alkyl group for R¹¹ is the same as the lower alkyl group for R above, and is preferably a methyl group or an ethyl group.

In general formula (a1-1-02), R is as defined above. The lower alkyl group for R¹² is the same as the lower alkyl group for R above. R¹² is preferably a methyl group or an ethyl group, and most preferably an ethyl group. It is preferably 1 or 2, and most preferably 2.

As the structural unit (a1), one type may be used alone, or two or more types may be used in combination.

In the component (A1), the amount of the structural unit (a1) based on the combined total of all structural units constituting the component (A1) is preferably 10 to 80 mol %, more preferably 20 to 70 mol %, and still more preferably 25 to 50 mol %. By making the amount of the structural unit (a1) at least as large as the lower limit of the above-mentioned range, a pattern can be easily formed using a resist composition prepared from the component (A1). On the other hand, by making the amount of the structural unit (a1) no more than the upper limit of the above-mentioned range, a good balance can be achieved with the other structural units.

Structural Unit (a2)

The structural unit (a2) is a structural unit derived from an acrylate ester containing a lactone-containing cyclic group.

The term “lactone-containing cyclic group” refers to a cyclic group including one ring containing a —O—C(O)— structure (lactone ring). The term “lactone ring” refers to a single ring containing a —O—C(O)— structure, and this ring is counted as the first ring. A lactone-containing cyclic group in which the only ring structure is the lactone ring is referred to as a monocyclic group, and groups containing other ring structures are described as polycyclic groups regardless of the structure of the other rings.

When the component (A1) is used for forming a resist film, the lactone-containing cyclic group of the structural unit (a2) is effective in improving the adhesion between the resist film and the substrate, and increasing the compatibility with the developing solution containing water

As the structural unit (a2), there is no particular limitation, and an arbitrary structural unit may be used.

Specific examples of lactone-containing monocyclic groups include groups in which one hydrogen atom has been removed from y-butyrolactone. Further, specific examples of lactone-containing polycyclic groups include groups in which one hydrogen atom has been removed from a lactone ring-containing bicycloalkane, tricycloalkane or tetracycloalkane.

More specifically, examples of the structural unit (a2) include structural units represented by general formulas (a2-1) to (a2-5) shown below.

wherein R represents a hydrogen atom, a lower alkyl group or a halogenated lower alkyl group; R′ represents a hydrogen atom, a lower alkyl group, an alkoxy group of 1 to 5 carbon atoms or —COOR″, wherein R″ represents a hydrogen atom or a linear, branched or cyclic alkyl group of 1 to 15 carbon atoms; m represents 0 or 1; and A″ represents an alkylene group of 1 to 5 carbon atoms or an oxygen atom.

In general formulas (a2-1) to (a2-5), R is the same as R in the structural unit (a1).

The lower alkyl group for R′ is the same as the lower alkyl group for R in the structural unit (a1).

When R″ is a linear or branched alkyl group, it preferably has 1 to 10 carbon atoms, more preferably 1 to 5 carbon atoms.

When R″ is a cyclic alkyl group, it preferably has 3 to 15 carbon atoms, more preferably 4 to 12 carbon atoms, and most preferably 5 to 10 carbon atoms. Examples thereof include groups in which one or more hydrogen atoms have been removed from a monocycloalkane or a polycycloalkane such as a bicycloalkane, tricycloalkane or tetracycloalkane, and which may or may not be substituted with fluorine atoms or fluorinated alkyl groups. Specific examples include groups in which one or more hydrogen atoms have been removed from a monocycloalkane such as cyclopentane or cyclohexane, and groups in which one or more hydrogen atoms have been removed from a polycycloalkane such as adamantane, norbomane, isobornane, tricyclodecane or tetracyclododecane.

Specific examples of alkylene groups of 1 to 5 carbon atoms for A″ include a methylene group, ethylene group, n-propylene group and isopropylene group.

In the structural units represented by general formulas (a2-1) to (a2-5), in consideration of industrial availability, R′ is preferably a hydrogen atom.

Specific examples of structural units represented by general formulas (a2-1) to (a2-5) above are shown below.

As the structural unit (a2), at least one structural unit selected from the group consisting of formulas (a2-1) to (a2-5) is preferable, and at least one structural unit selected from the group consisting of formulas (a2-1) to (a2-3) is more preferable. Specifically, it is preferable to use at least one structural unit selected from the group consisting of formulas (a2-1-1), (a2-1-2), (a2-2-1), (a2-2-2), (a2-3-2), (a2-3-9) and (a2-3-10).

As the structural unit (a2), one type of structural unit may be used, or two or more types may be used in combination.

In the component (A1), the amount of the structural unit (a2) based on the combined total of all structural units constituting the component (A1) is preferably 5 to 60 mol %, more preferably 10 to 50 mol %, and still more preferably 20 to 50 mol %. By making the amount of the structural unit (a2) at least as large as the lower limit of the above-mentioned range, the effect of using the structural unit (a2) can be satisfactorily achieved. On the other hand, by making the amount of the structural unit (a2) no more than the upper limit of the above-mentioned range, a good balance can be achieved with the other structural units.

Structural Unit (a3)

The structural unit (a3) is a structural unit derived from an acrylate ester containing a polar group-containing aliphatic hydrocarbon group.

When the component (A1) includes the structural unit (a3), the hydrophilicity of the component (A1) is improved, and hence, the compatibility of the component (A1) with the developing solution is improved. As a result, the alkali solubility of the exposed portions improves, which contributes to favorable improvements in the resolution.

Examples of the polar group include a hydroxyl group, cyano group, carboxyl group, or hydroxyalkyl group in which some of the hydrogen atoms of the alkyl group have been substituted with fluorine atoms, although a hydroxyl group is particularly desirable.

Examples of the aliphatic hydrocarbon group include linear or branched hydrocarbon groups (and preferably alkylene groups) of 1 to 10 carbon atoms, and polycyclic aliphatic hydrocarbon groups (polycyclic groups). These polycyclic groups can be selected appropriately from the multitude of groups that have been proposed for the resins of resist compositions designed for use with ArF excimer lasers. The polycyclic group preferably has 7 to 30 carbon atoms.

Of the various possibilities, structural units derived from an acrylate ester that include an aliphatic polycyclic group that contains a hydroxyl group, cyano group, carboxyl group or a hydroxyalkyl group in which some of the hydrogen atoms of the alkyl group have been substituted with fluorine atoms are particularly desirable. Examples of polycyclic groups include groups in which two or more hydrogen atoms have been removed from a bicycloalkane, tricycloalkane, tetracycloalkane or the like. Specific examples include groups in which two or more hydrogen atoms have been removed from a polycycloalkane such as adamantane, norbornane, isobornane, tricyclodecane or tetracyclododecane. Of these polycyclic groups, groups in which two or more hydrogen atoms have been removed from adamantane, norbornane or tetracyclododecane are preferred industrially.

When the aliphatic hydrocarbon group within the polar group-containing aliphatic hydrocarbon group is a linear or branched hydrocarbon group of 1 to 10 carbon atoms, the structural unit (a3) is preferably a structural unit derived from a hydroxyethyl ester of acrylic acid. On the other hand, when the hydrocarbon group is a polycyclic group, structural units represented by formulas (a3-1), (a3-2), and (a3-3) shown below are preferable.

wherein R is as defined above; j is an integer of 1 to 3; k is an integer of 1 to 3; t′ is an integer of 1 to 3; 1 is an integer of 1 to 5; and s is an integer of 1 to 3.

In formula (a3-1), j is preferably 1 or 2, and more preferably 1. When j is 2, it is preferable that the hydroxyl groups be bonded to the 3rd and 5th positions of the adamantyl group. When j is 1, it is preferable that the hydroxyl group be bonded to the 3rd position of the adamantyl group.

j is preferably 1, and it is particularly desirable that the hydroxyl group be bonded to the 3rd position of the adamantyl group.

In formula (a3-2), k is preferably 1. The cyano group is preferably bonded to the 5th or 6th position of the norbonyl group.

In formula (a3-3), t′ is preferably 1, is preferably 1 and s is preferably 1. Further, in formula (a3-3), it is preferable that a 2-norbonyl group or 3-norbonyl group be bonded to the terminal of the carboxy group of the acrylic acid. The fluorinated alkyl alcohol is preferably bonded to the 5th or 6th position of the norbonyl group.

In the component (A1), as the structural unit (a3), one type of structural unit may be used, or two or more types may be used in combination.

When the component (A1) contains the structural unit (a3), the amount of structural unit (a3) based on the combined total of all structural units constituting the component (A1) is preferably 5 to 50 mol %, more preferably 5 to 40 mol %, and still more preferably 5 to 25 mol %. By making the amount of the structural unit (a3) at least as large as the lower limit of the above-mentioned range, the effect of using the structural unit (a3) can be satisfactorily achieved. On the other hand, by making the amount of the structural unit (a3) no more than the upper limit of the above-mentioned range, a good balance can be achieved with the other structural units.

Structural Unit (a4)

The component (A1) may also have a structural unit (a4) which is other than the above-mentioned structural units (a1) to (a3), as long as the effects of the present invention are not impaired.

As the structural unit (a4), any other structural unit which cannot be classified as one of the above structural units (a1) to (a3) can be used without any particular limitations, and any of the multitude of conventional structural units used within resist resins for ArF excimer lasers or KrF excimer lasers (and particularly for ArF excimer lasers) can be used.

As the structural unit (a4), a structural unit which contains a non-acid-dissociable aliphatic polycyclic group, and is also derived from an acrylate ester is preferable. Examples of this polycyclic group include the same groups as those described above in connection with the aforementioned structural unit (a1), and any of the multitude of conventional polycyclic groups used within the resin component of resist compositions for ArF excimer lasers or KrF excimer lasers (and particularly for ArF excimer lasers) can be used.

In consideration of industrial availability and the like, at least one polycyclic group selected from amongst a tricyclodecanyl group, adamantyl group, tetracyclododecanyl group, isobornyl group, and norbornyl group is particularly desirable. These polycyclic groups may be substituted with a linear or branched alkyl group of 1 to 5 carbon atoms.

Specific examples of the structural unit (a4) include units with structures represented by general formulas (a4-1) to (a4-5) shown below.

wherein R is as defined above.

When the structural unit (a4) is included in the component (A1), the amount of the structural unit (a4) based on the combined total of all the structural units that constitute the component (A1) is preferably within the range from 1 to 30 mol %, and more preferably from 10 to 20 mol %.

In the present invention, the component (A1) preferably contains a copolymer having the structural units (a1), (a2) and (a3). Examples of such a copolymer include a copolymer consisting of the structural units (a1) and (a2) and (a3), and a copolymer consisting of the structural units (a1), (a2), (a3) and (a4).

The component (A1) can be obtained, for example, by a conventional radical polymerization or the like of the monomers corresponding with each of the structural units, using a radical polymerization initiator such as azobisisobutyronitrile (AIBN).

Furthermore, in the component (A1), by using a chain transfer agent such as HS—CH₂—CH₂—CH₂—C(CF₃)₂—OH, a —C(CF₃)₂—OH group can be introduced at the terminals of the component (A1). Such a copolymer having introduced a hydroxyalkyl group in which some of the hydrogen atoms of the alkyl group are substituted with fluorine atoms is effective in reducing developing defects and LER (line edge roughness: unevenness of the side walls of a line pattern).

The weight average molecular weight (Mw) (the polystyrene equivalent value determined by gel permeation chromatography) of the component (A1) is not particularly limited, but is preferably 2,000 to 50,000, more preferably 3,000 to 30,000, and most preferably 5,000 to 20,000. By making the weight average molecular weight no more than the upper limit of the above-mentioned range, the component (A1) exhibits satisfactory solubility in a resist solvent when used as a resist. On the other hand, by making the weight average molecular weight at least as large as the lower limit of the above-mentioned range, dry etching resistance and cross-sectional shape of the resist pattern becomes satisfactory.

Further, the dispersity (Mw/Mn) is preferably 1.0 to 5.0, more preferably 1.0 to 3.0, and most preferably 1.2 to 2.5. Here, Mn is the number average molecular weight.

[Component (A2)]

As the component (A2), it is preferable to use a compound that has a molecular weight of at least 500 and less than 2,000, contains a hydrophilic group, and also contains an acid dissociable, dissolution inhibiting group exemplified above in connection with the component (A1). Specific examples include compounds containing a plurality of phenol skeletons in which a part of the hydrogen atoms within hydroxyl groups have been substituted with the aforementioned acid dissociable, dissolution-inhibiting groups.

Examples of the component (A2) include low molecular weight phenolic compounds in which a portion of the hydroxyl group hydrogen atoms have been substituted with an aforementioned acid dissociable, dissolution inhibiting group, and these types of compounds are known, for example, as sensitizers or heat resistance improvers for use in non-chemically amplified g-line or i-line resists.

Examples of these low molecular weight phenol compounds include bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)methane, bis(2,3,4-trihydroxyphenyl)methane, 2-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-2-(4′-hydroxyphenyl)propane, 2-(2,3,4-trihydroxyphenyl)-2-(2′,3,4′-trihydroxyphenyl)propane, tris(4-hydroxyphenyl)methane, bis(4-hydroxy-3,5-dimethylphenyl)-2-hydroxyphenylmethane, bis(4-hydroxy-2,5-dimethylphenyl)-2-hydroxyphenylmethane, bis(4-hydroxy-3,5-dimethylphenyl)-3,4-dihydroxyphenylmethane, bis(4-hydroxy-2,5-dimethylphenyl)-3,4-dihydroxyphenylmethane, bis(4-hydroxy-3-methylphenyl)-3,4-dihydroxyphenylmethane, bis(3-cyclohexyl-4-hydroxy-6-methylphenyl)-4-hydroxyphenylmethane, bis(3-cyclohexyl-4-hydroxy-6-methylphenyl)-3,4-dihydroxyphenylmethane, 1-[1-(4-hydroxyphenyl)isopropyl]-4-[1,1-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)ethyl]benzene, and dimers, trimers and tetramers of formalin condensation products of phenols such as phenol, m-cresol, p-cresol and xylenol. Needless to say, the low molecular weight phenol compound is not limited to these examples.

Also, there are no particular limitations on the acid dissociable, dissolution inhibiting group, and suitable examples include the groups described above.

As the component (A), one type may be used, or two or more types may be used in combination.

In the resist composition of the present invention, the amount of the component (A) can be appropriately adjusted depending on the thickness of the resist film to be formed, and the like.

<Component (B)>

The component (B) includes an acid generator (B1) (hereafter, referred to as “component (B1)”) consisting of a compound represented by general formula (b1-1) above. The component (B 1) is the same as the aforementioned compound (B1) of the present invention.

As the component (B1), one type may be used, or two or more types may be used in combination.

In the resist composition of the present invention, the amount of the component (B1) within the component (B) is preferably 40% by weight or more, more preferably 70% by weight or more, and may be even 100% by weight. It is particularly desirable that the amount of the component (B1) within the component (B) be 75% by weight or more. By making the amount of the component (B1) at least as large as the lower limit of the above-mentioned range, lithography properties such as resolution, mask reproducibility, depth of focus, exposure margin and line width roughness are improved when a resist pattern is formed using the resist composition of the present invention.

In the component (B), an acid generator (B2) other than the aforementioned component (B1) (hereafter, referred to as “component (B2)”) may be used in combination with the component (B1).

As the component (B2), there is no particular limitation as long as it is an acid generator other than the component (B1), and any of the known acid generators used in conventional chemically amplified resist compositions can be used.

Examples of these acid generators are numerous, and include onium salt-based acid generators such as iodonium salts and sulfonium salts; oxime sulfonate-based acid generators; diazomethane-based acid generators such as bisalkyl or bisaryl sulfonyl diazomethanes and poly(bis-sulfonyl)diazomethanes; nitrobenzylsulfonate-based acid generators; iminosulfonate-based acid generators; and disulfone-based acid generators.

As an onium salt-based acid generator a compound represented by general formula (b-1) or (b-2) shown below can be preferably used.

wherein R¹″ to R³″, R⁵″ and R⁶″ each independently represents an aryl group or alkyl group, wherein two of R¹″ to R³″ in formula (b-1) may be bonded to each other to form a ring with the sulfur atom; and R⁴″ represents a linear, branched or cyclic alkyl group or fluorinated alkyl group, with the proviso that at least one of R¹″ to R³″ represents an aryl group, and at least one of R⁵″ and R⁶″ represents an aryl group.

In formula (b-1), R¹″ to R³″ each independently represents an aryl group or an alkyl group. In formula (b-1), two of R¹″ to R³″ in formula (b-1) may be bonded to each other to form a ring with the sulfur atom.

Further, among R¹″ to R³″, at least one group represents an aryl group. Among R¹″ to R³″, two or more groups are preferably aryl groups, and it is particularly desirable that all of R¹″ to R³″ are aryl groups.

The aryl group for R¹″ to R³″ is not particularly limited. For example, an aryl group having 6 to 20 carbon atoms may be used in which some or all of the hydrogen atoms of the aryl group may or may not be substituted with alkyl groups, alkoxy groups, halogen atoms or hydroxyl groups.

The aryl group is preferably an aryl group having 6 to 10 carbon atoms because it can be synthesized at a low cost. Specific examples thereof include a phenyl group and naphthyl group.

The alkyl group, with which hydrogen atoms of the aryl group may be substituted, is preferably an alkyl group having 1 to 5 carbon atoms, and most preferably a methyl group, an ethyl group, a propyl group, an n-butyl group, or a tert-butyl group.

The alkoxy group, with which hydrogen atoms of the aryl group may be substituted, is preferably an alkoxy group having 1 to 5 carbon atoms, and most preferably a methoxy group, ethoxy group, n-propoxy group, iso-propoxy group, n-butoxy group or tert-butoxy group.

The alkoxy group, with which hydrogen atoms of the aryl group may be substituted, is preferably an alkoxy group having 1 to 5 carbon atoms, and most preferably a methoxy group or an ethoxy group

The halogen atom, with which hydrogen atoms of the aryl group may be substituted, is preferably a fluorine atom.

The alkyl group for R¹″ to R³″ is not particularly limited and includes, for example, a linear, branched or cyclic alkyl group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms. In terms of achieving excellent resolution, the alkyl group preferably has 1 to 5 carbon atoms. Specific examples thereof include a methyl group, an ethyl group, an n-propyl group, an isopropyl group, an n-butyl group, an isobutyl group, an n-pentyl group, a cyclopentyl group, a hexyl group, a cyclohexyl group, a nonyl group, and a decanyl group, and a methyl group is most preferable because it is excellent in resolution and can be synthesized at a low cost.

It is particularly desirable that each of R¹″ to R³″ is a phenyl group or a naphthyl group.

When two of R¹″ to R³″ in formula (b-1) are bonded to each other to form a ring with the sulfur atom, it is preferable that the two of R¹″ to R³″ form a 3 to 10-membered ring including the sulfur atom, and it is particularly desirable that the two of R¹″ to R³″ form a 5 to 7-membered ring including the sulfur atom. When two of R¹″ to R³″ in formula (b-1) are bonded to each other to form a ring with the sulfur atom, the remaining one of R¹″ to R³″ is preferably an aryl group. As examples of the aryl group, the same as the above-mentioned aryl groups for R¹″ to R³″ can be exemplified.

R⁴″ represents a linear, branched or cyclic alkyl or fluorinated alkyl group.

The linear or branched alkyl group preferably has 1 to 10 carbon atoms, more preferably 1 to 8 carbon atoms, and most preferably 1 to 4 carbon atoms.

The cyclic alkyl group is preferably a cyclic group, as described for R¹″, having 4 to 15 carbon atoms, more preferably 4 to 10 carbon atoms, and most preferably 6 to 10 carbon atoms.

The fluorinated alkyl group preferably has 1 to 10 carbon atoms, more preferably 1 to 8 carbon atoms, and most preferably 1 to 4 carbon atoms. Further, the fluorination ratio of the fluorinated alkyl group (percentage of fluorine atoms within the alkyl group) is preferably from 10 to 100%, more preferably from 50 to 100%, and a fluorinated alkyl group in which all hydrogen atoms are substituted with fluorine atoms (i.e., a perfluoroalkyl group) is particularly desirable because the acid strength increases. R⁴″ is most preferably a linear or cyclic alkyl group or fluorinated alkyl group.

In formula (b-2), R⁵″ and R⁶″ each independently represents an aryl group or alkyl group. At least one of R⁵″ and R⁶″ represents an aryl group. It is preferable that both of R⁵″ and R⁶″ represent an aryl group.

As the aryl group for R⁵″ and R⁶″, the same as the aryl groups for R¹″ to R³″ can be exemplified.

As the alkyl group for R⁵″ and R⁶″, the same as the alkyl groups for R¹″ to R³″ can be exemplified.

It is particularly desirable that both of R⁵″ and R⁶″ represents a phenyl group.

As R⁴″ in formula (b-2), the same as those mentioned above for R⁴″ in formula (b-1) can be exemplified.

Specific examples of suitable onium salt-based acid generators represented by formula (b-1) or (b-2) include diphenyliodonium trifluoromethanesulfonate or nonafluorobutanesulfonate; bis(4-tert-butylphenyl)iodonium trifluoromethanesulfonate or nonafluorobutanesulfonate; triphenylsulfonium trifluoromethanesulfonate, heptafluoropropanesulfonate or nonafluorobutanesulfonate; tri(4-methylphenyl)sulfonium trifluoromethanesulfonate, heptafluoropropanesulfonate or nonafluorobutanesulfonate; dimethyl(4-hydroxynaphthylsulfonium trifluoromethanesulifonate, heptafluoropropanesulfonate or nonafluorobutanesulfonate; monophenyldimethylsulfonium trifluoromethanesulfonate, heptafluoropropanesulfonate or nonafluorobutanesulfonate; diphenylmonomethylsulfonium trifluoromethanesulfonate, heptafluoropropanesulfonate or nonafluorobutanesulfonate; (4-methylphenyl)diphenylsulfonium trifluoromethanesulfonate, heptafluoropropanesulfonate or nonafluorobutanesulfonate; (4-methoxyphenyl)diphenylsulfonium trifluoromethanesulfonate, heptafluoropropanesulfonate or nonafluorobutanesulfonate; tri(4-tert-butyl)phenylsulfonium trifluoromethanesulfonate, heptafluoropropanesulfonate or nonafluorobutanesulfonate; diphenyl(1-(4-methoxy)naphthyl)sulfonium trifluoromethanesulfonate, heptafluoropropanesulfonate or nonafluorobutanesulfonate; di(1-naphthyl)phenylsulfonium trifluoromethanesulfonate, heptafluoropropanesulfonate or nonafluorobutanesulfonate; 1-phenyltetrahydrothiophenium trifluoromethanesulfonate, heptafluoropropanesulfonate or nonafluorobutanesulfonate; 1-(4-methylphenyl)tetrahydrothiophenium trifluoromethanesulfonate, heptafluoropropanesulfonate or nonafluorobutanesulfonate; 1-(3,5-dimethyl-4-hydroxyphenyl)tetrahydrothiophenium trifluoromethanesulfonate, heptafluoropropanesulfonate or nonafluorobutanesulfonate; 1-(4-methoxynaphthalene-1-yl)tetrahydrothiophenium trifluoromethanesulfonate, heptafluoropropanesulfonate or nonafluorobutanesulfonate; 1-(4-ethoxynaphthalene-1-yl)tetrahydrothiophenium trifluoromethanesulfonate, heptafluoropropanesulfonate or nonafluorobutanesulfonate; 1-(4-n-butoxynaphthalene-1-yl)tetrahydrothiophenium trifluoromethanesulfonate, heptafluoropropanesulfonate or nonafluorobutanesulfonate; 1-phenyltetrahydrothiopyranium trifluoromethanesulfonate, heptafluoropropanesulfonate or nonafluorobutanesulfonate; 1-(4-hydroxyphenyl)tetrahydrothiopyranium trifluoromethanesulfonate, heptafluoropropanesulfonate or nonafluorobutanesulfonate; 1-(3,5-dimethyl-4-hydroxyphenyl)tetrahydrothiopyranium trifluoromethanesulfonate, heptafluoropropanesulfonate or nonafluorobutanesulfonate; and 1-(4-methylphenyl)tetrahydrothiopyranium trifluoromethanesulfonate, heptafluoropropanesulfonate or nonafluorobutanesulfonate. It is also possible to use onium salts in which the anion moiety of these onium salts are replaced by methanesulfonate, n-propanesulfonate, n-butanesulfonate, or n-octanesulfonate.

Further, onium salt-based acid generators in which the anion moiety in general formula (b-1) or (b-2) is replaced by an anion moiety represented by general formula (b-3) or (b-4) shown below (the cation moiety is the same as (b1-1) or (b-2)) may be used.

wherein X″ represents an alkylene group of 2 to 6 carbon atoms in which at least one hydrogen atom has been substituted with a fluorine atom; and Y″ and Z″ each independently represents an alkyl group of 1 to 10 carbon atoms in which at least one hydrogen atom has been substituted with a fluorine atom.

X″ represents a linear or branched alkylene group in which at least one hydrogen atom has been substituted with a fluorine atom, and the alkyene group has 2 to 6 carbon atoms, preferably 3 to 5 carbon atoms, and most preferably 3 carbon atoms.

Each of Y″ and Z″ independently represents a linear or branched alkyl group in which at least one hydrogen atom has been substituted with a fluorine atom, and the alkyl group has 1 to 10 carbon atoms, preferably 1 to 7 carbon atoms, and most preferably 1 to 3 carbon atoms.

The smaller the number of carbon atoms of the alkylene group for X″ or those of the alkyl group for Y″ and Z″ within the above-mentioned range of the number of carbon atoms, the more the solubility in a resist solvent is improved.

Further, in the alkylene group for X″ or the alkyl group for Y″ and Z″, it is preferable that the number of hydrogen atoms substituted with fluorine atoms is as large as possible because the acid strength increases and the transparency to high energy radiation of 200 nm or less or electron beam is improved. The amount of fluorine atoms within the alkylene group or alkyl group, i.e., fluorination ratio, is preferably from 70 to 100%, more preferably from 90 to 100%, and it is particularly desirable that the alkylene group or alkyl group be a perfluoroalkylene or perfluoroalkyl group in which all hydrogen atoms are substituted with fluorine atoms.

Furthermore, as an onium salt-based acid generator, a sulfonium salt having a cation moiety represented by general formula (b-5) or (b-6) shown below may be used.

wherein R⁴¹ to R⁴⁶ each independently represents an alkyl group, an acetyl group, an alkoxy group, a carboxy group, a hydroxyl group or a hydroxyalkyl group; n₁ to n₅ each independently represents an integer of 0 to 3; and n6 represents an integer of 0 to 2.

In general formulas (b-5) and (b-6), R⁴¹ to ⁴⁶ are respectively as defined for R⁴¹ to R⁴⁶ in general formulas (b′-5) and (b-6) above.

When the subscripts n₁ to n₆ of R⁴¹ to R⁴⁶ represent an integer of 2 or more, the plurality of R⁴¹ to R⁴⁶ may be the same or different.

n₁ is preferably 0 to 2, more preferably 0 or 1, and still more preferably 0.

It is preferable that n₂ and n₃ each independently represent 0 or 1, and more preferably 0.

n₄ is preferably 0 to 2, and more preferably 0 or 1.

n₅ is preferably 0 or 1, and more preferably 0.

n₆ is preferably 0 or 1, and more preferably 1.

The anion moiety of the sulfonium salt having a cation moiety represented by general formula (b-5) or (b-6) is not particularly limited, and the same anion moieties for onium salt-based acid generators which have been proposed may be used. Examples of such anion moieties include fluorinated alkylsulfonic acid ions such as anion moieties (R⁴″SO³ ⁻) for onium salt-based acid generators represented by general formula (b-1) or (b-2) shown above; and anion moieties represented by general formula (b-3) or (b-4) shown above. Among these, fluorinated alkylsulfonic acid ions are preferable, more preferably fluorinated alkylsulfonic acid ions of 1 to 4 carbon atoms, and linear perfluoroalkylsulfonic acid ions of 1 to 4 carbon atoms are particularly desirable. Specific examples include a trifluoromethylsulfonic acid ion, heptafluoro-n-propylsulfonic ion and nonafluoro-n-butylsulfonic acid ion.

In the present description, an oximesulfonate-based acid generator is a compound having at least one group represented by general formula (B-1) shown below, and has a feature of generating acid by irradiation. Such oximesulfonate-based acid generators are widely used for a chemically amplified resist composition, and can be appropriately selected.

wherein R³¹ and R³² each independently represents an organic group.

The organic group for R³¹ and R³² refers to a group containing a carbon atom, and may include atoms other than carbon atoms (e.g., a hydrogen atom, an oxygen atom, a nitrogen atom, a sulfur atom, a halogen atom (such as a fluorine atom and a chlorine atom) and the like).

As the organic group for R³¹, a linear, branched, or cyclic alkyl group or aryl group is preferable. The alkyl group or the aryl group may have a substituent. The substituent is not particularly limited, and examples thereof include a fluorine atom and a linear, branched, or cyclic alkyl group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms. The expression “having a substituent” means that some or all of the hydrogen atoms of the alkyl group or the aryl group are substituted with substituents.

The alkyl group preferably has 1 to 20 carbon atoms, more preferably 1 to 10 carbon atoms, still more preferably 1 to 8 carbon atoms, still more preferably 1 to 6 carbon atoms, and most preferably 1 to 4 carbon atoms. As the alkyl group, a partially or completely halogenated alkyl group (hereinafter, sometimes referred to as a “halogenated alkyl group”) is particularly desirable. The “partially halogenated alkyl group” refers to an alkyl group in which some of the hydrogen atoms are substituted with halogen atoms, and the “completely halogenated alkyl group” refers to an alkyl group in which all of the hydrogen atoms are substituted with halogen atoms. Examples of the halogen atom include a fluorine atom, a chlorine atom, a bromine atom and an iodine atom, and a fluorine atom is particularly desirable. In other words, the halogenated alkyl group is preferably a fluorinated alkyl group.

The aryl group preferably has 4 to 20 carbon atoms, more preferably 4 to 10 carbon atoms, and most preferably 6 to 10 carbon atoms. As the aryl group, partially or completely halogenated aryl group is particularly desirable. The “partially halogenated aryl group” refers to an aryl group in which some of the hydrogen atoms are substituted with halogen atoms, and the “completely halogenated aryl group” refers to an aryl group in which all of hydrogen atoms are substituted with halogen atoms.

As R³¹ an alkyl group of 1 to 4 carbon atoms which has no substituent or a fluorinated alkyl group of 1 to 4 carbon atoms is particularly desirable.

As the organic group for R³², a linear, branched, or cyclic alkyl group, aryl group, or cyano group is preferable. Examples of the alkyl group and the aryl group for R³² are the same as those of the alkyl group and the aryl group for R³¹.

As R³², a cyano group, an alkyl group of 1 to 8 carbon atoms having no substituent or a fluorinated alkyl group of 1 to 8 carbon atoms is particularly desirable.

Preferred examples of the oxime sulfonate-based acid generator include compounds represented by general formula (B-2) or (B-3) shown below.

wherein R³³ represents a cyano group, an alkyl group having no substituent or a halogenated alkyl group; R³⁴ represents an aryl group; and R³⁵ represents an alkyl group having no substituent or a halogenated alkyl group.

wherein R³⁶ represents a cyano group, an alkyl group having no substituent or a halogenated alkyl group; R³⁷ represents a divalent or trivalent aromatic hydrocarbon group; R³⁸ represents an alkyl group having no substituent or a halogenated alkyl group; and p″ represents 2 or 3.

In general formula (B-2), the alkyl group having no substituent or the halogenated alkyl group for R³³ preferably has 1 to 10 carbon atoms, more preferably 1 to 8 carbon atoms, and most preferably 1to 6 carbon atoms.

As R 33, a halogenated alkyl group is preferable, and a fluorinated alkyl group is more preferable.

The fluorinated alkyl group for R³³ preferably has 50% or more of the hydrogen atoms thereof fluorinated, more preferably 70% or more, and most preferably 90% or more.

Examples of the aryl group for R³⁴ include groups in which one hydrogen atom has been removed from an aromatic hydrocarbon ring, such as a phenyl group, a biphenyl group, a fluorenyl group, a naphthyl group, an anthryl group, and a phenantryl group, and heteroaryl groups in which some of the carbon atoms constituting the ring(s) of these groups are substituted with hetero atoms such as an oxygen atom, a sulfur atom, and a nitrogen atom. Of these, a fluorenyl group is preferable.

The aryl group for R³⁴ may have a substituent such as an alkyl group of 1 to 10 carbon atoms, a halogenated alkyl group, or an alkoxy group. The alkyl group and halogenated alkyl group as the substituent preferably has 1 to 8 carbon atoms, and more preferably 1 to 4 carbon atoms. The halogenated alkyl group is preferably a fluorinated alkyl group.

The alkyl group having no substituent or the halogenated alkyl group for R³⁵ preferably has 1 to 10 carbon atoms, more preferably 1 to 8 carbon atoms, and most preferably 1 to 6 carbon atoms.

As R³⁵, a halogenated alkyl group is preferable, and a fluorinated alkyl group is more preferable.

In terms of enhancing the strength of the acid generated, the fluorinated alkyl group for R³⁵ preferably has 50% or more of the hydrogen atoms fluorinated, more preferably 70% or more, still more preferably 90% or more. A completely fluorinated alkyl group in which 100% of the hydrogen atoms are substituted with fluorine atoms is particularly desirable.

In general formula (B-3), the alkyl group having no substituent and the halogenated alkyl group for R³⁶ are the same as the alkyl group having no substituent and the halogenated alkyl group for R³³.

Examples of the divalent or trivalent aromatic hydrocarbon group for R³⁷ include groups in which one or two hydrogen atoms have been removed from the aryl group for R³⁴.

As the alkyl group having no substituent or the halogenated alkyl group for R³⁸, the same one as the alkyl group having no substituent or the halogenated alkyl group for R³⁵ can be used.

p″ is preferably 2.

Specific examples of suitable oxime sulfonate-based acid generators include

-   α-(p-toluenesulfonyloxyimino)-benzyl cyanide, -   α-(p-chlorobenzenesulfonyloxyimino)-benzyl cyanide, -   α-(4-nitrobenzenesulfonyloxyimino)-benzyl cyanide, -   α-(4-nitro-2-trifluoromethylbenzenesulfonyloxyimino)-benzyl cyanide, -   α-(benzenesulfonyloxyimino)-4-chlorobenzyl cyanide, -   α-(benzenesulfonyloxyimino)-2,4-dichlorobenzyl cyanide, -   α-(benzenesulfonyloxyimino)-2,6-dichlorobenzyl cyanide, -   α-(benzenesulfonyloxyimino)-4-methoxybenzyl cyanide, -   α-(2-chlorobenzenesulfonyloxyimino)-4-methoxybenzyl cyanide, -   α-(benzenesulfonyloxyimino)-thien-2-yl acetonitrile, -   α-(4-dodecylbenzenesulfonyloxyimino)benzyl cyanide, -   α-[(p-toluenesulfonyloxyimino)-4-methoxyphenyl]acetonitrile, -   α-[(dodecylbenzenesulfonyloxyimino)-4-methoxyphenyl]acetonitrile, -   α-(tosyloxyimino)-4-thienyl cyanide,     α-(methylsulfonyloxyimino)-1-cyclopentenyl acetonitrile,     α-(methylsulfonyloxyimino)-1-cyclohexenyl acetonitrile, -   α-(methylsulfonyloxyimino)-1-cycloheptenyl acetonitrile, -   α-(methylsulfonyloxyimino)-1-cyclooctenyl acetonitrile, -   α-(trifluoromethylsulfonyloxyimino)-1-cyclopentenyl acetonitrile, -   α-(trifluoromethylsulfonyloxyimino)-cyclohexyl acetonitrile, -   α-(ethylsulfonyloxyimino)-ethyl acetonitrile,     α-(propylsulfonyloxyimino)-propyl acetonitrile,     α-(cyclohexylsulfonyloxyimino)-cyclopentyl acetonitrile, -   α-(cyclohexylsulfonyloxyimino)-cyclohexyl acetonitrile, -   α-(cyclohexylsulfonyloxyimino)-1-cyclopentenyl acetonitrile, -   α-(ethylsulfonyloxyimino)-1-cyclopentenyl acetonitrile, -   α-(isopropylsulfonyloxyimino)-1-cyclopentenyl acetonitrile, -   α-(n-butylsulfonyloxyimino)-1-cyclopentenyl acetonitrile, -   α-(ethylsulfonyloxyimino)-1-cyclohexenyl acetonitrile, -   α-(isopropylsulfonyloxyimino)-1-cyclohexenyl acetonitrile, -   α-(n-butylsulfonyloxyimino)-1-cyclohexenyl acetonitrile, -   α-(methylsulfonyloxyimino)-phenyl acetonitrile, -   α-(methylsulfonyloxyimino)-p-methoxyphenyl acetonitrile, -   α-(trifluoromethylsulfonyloxyimino)-phenyl acetonitrile, -   α-(trifluoromethylsulfonyloxyimino)-p-methoxyphenyl acetonitrile, -   α-(ethylsulfonyloxyimino)-p-methoxyphenyl acetonitrile, -   α-(propylsulfonyloxyimino)-p-methylphenyl acetonitrile, and -   α-(methylsulfonyloxyimino)-p-bromophenyl acetonitrile.

Further, oxime sulfonate-based acid generators disclosed in Japanese Unexamined Patent Application, First Publication No. Hei 9-208554 (Chemical Formulas 18 and 19 shown in paragraphs [0012] to [0014]) and oxime sulfonate-based acid generators disclosed in WO 2004/074242A2 (Examples 1 to 40 described at pages 65 to 85) may be preferably used.

Furthermore, as preferable examples, the following can be exemplified.

Of the aforementioned diazomethane-based acid generators, specific examples of suitable bisalkyl or bisaryl sulfonyl diazomethanes include bis(isopropylsulfonyl)diazomethane, bis-toluenesulfonyl)diazomethane, bis(1,1-dimethylethylsulfonyl)diazomethane, bis(cyclohexylsulfonyl)diazomethane, and bis(2,4-dimethylphenylsulfonyl)diazomethane.

Further, diazomethane-based acid generators disclosed in Japanese Unexamined Patent Application, First Publication No. Hei 11-035551, Japanese Unexamined Patent Application, First Publication No. Hei 11-035552 and Japanese Unexamined Patent Application, First Publication No. Hei 11-035573 may be preferably used.

Furthermore, as poly(bis-sulfonyl)diazomethanes, those disclosed in Japanese Unexamined Patent Application, First Publication No. Hei 11-322707, including

-   1,3-bis(phenylsulfonyldiazomethylsulfonyl)propane, -   1,4-bis(phenylsulfonyldiazomethylsulfonyl)butane, -   1,6-bis(phenylsulfonyldiazomethylsulfonyl)hexane, -   1,10-bis(phenylsulfonyldiazomethylsulfonyl)decane, -   1,2-bis(cyclohexylsulfonyldiazomethylsulfonyl)ethane, -   1,3-bis(cyclohexylsulfonyldiazomethylsulfonyl)propane, -   1,6-bis(cyclohexylsulfonyldiazomethylsulfonyl)thexane, and -   1,10-bis(cyclohexylsulfonyldiazomethylsulfonyl)decane, may be     exemplified.

As the component (B2), one type of acid generator may be used, or two or more types may be used in combination.

When the component (B2) is used, the amount of the component (B2) within the component (B) is preferably 10 to 99% by weight, more preferably 25 to 95% by weight, and still more preferably 50 to 95% by weight, based on the total weight of the component (B). By making the amount of the component (B2 within the above-mentioned range, a good balance can be achieved with the component (B1), and the lithography properties are improved.

The total amount of the component (B) within the resist composition of the present invention is typically 0.5 to 30 parts by weight, and preferably 1 to 20 parts by weight, relative to 100 parts by weight of the component (A). When the amount of the component (B) is within the above-mentioned range, formation of a resist pattern can be satisfactorily performed. Further, by virtue of the above-mentioned range, a uniform solution can be obtained and the storage stability becomes satisfactory.

<Optional Components>

In the resist composition of the present invention, for improving the resist pattern shape and the post exposure stability of the latent image formed by the pattern-wise exposure of the resist layer, a nitrogen-containing organic compound (D) (hereafter referred to as the component (D)) can be added as an optional component.

A multitude of these components (D) have already been proposed, and any of these known compounds may be used, although an aliphatic amine, and particularly a secondary aliphatic amine or tertiary aliphatic amine is preferable. An aliphatic amine is an amine having one or more aliphatic groups, and the aliphatic groups preferably have 1 to 12 carbon atoms.

Examples of these aliphatic amines include amines in which at least one hydrogen atom of ammonia (NH₃) has been substituted with an alkyl group or hydroxyalkyl group of no more than 12 carbon atoms (i.e., alkylamines or alkylalcoholamines), and cyclic amines.

Specific examples of alkylamines and alkylalcoholamines include monoalkylamines such as n-hexylamine, n-heptylamine, n-octylamine, n-nonylamine, and n-decylamine; dialkylamines such as diethylamine, di-n-propylamine, di-n-heptylamine, di-n-octylamine, and dicyclohexylamine; trialkylamines such as trimethylamine, triethylamine, tri-n-propylamine, tri-n-butylamine, tri-n-hexylamine, tri-n-pentylamine, tri-n-heptylamine, tri-n-octylamine, tri-n-nonylamine, tri-n-decanylamine, and tri-n-dodecylamine; and alkyl alcohol amines such as diethanolamine, triethanolamine, diisopropanolamine, triisopropanolamine, di-n-octanolamine, and tri-n-octanolamine. Among these, trialkylamines in which three alkyl groups of 5 to 10 carbon atoms are bonded to the nitrogen atom are preferable, and tri-n-pentylamine is particularly desirable.

Examples of the cyclic amine include heterocyclic compounds containing a nitrogen atom as a hetero atom. The heterocyclic compound may be a monocyclic compound (aliphatic monocyclic amine), or a polycyclic compound (aliphatic polycyclic amine).

Specific examples of the aliphatic monocyclic amine include piperidine, and piperazine.

The aliphatic polycyclic amine preferably has 6 to 10 carbon atoms, and specific examples thereof include 1,5-diazabicyclo[4.3.0]-5-nonene,

-   1,8-diazabicyclo[5.4.0]-7-undecene, hexamethylenetetramine, and -   1,4-diazabicyclo [2.2.2] octane.

These compounds can be used either alone, or in combinations of two or more different compounds.

The component (D) is typically used in an amount within a range from 0.01 to 5.0 parts by weight, relative to 100 parts by weight of the component (A).

Furthermore, in the resist composition of the present invention, for preventing any deterioration in sensitivity, and improving the resist pattern shape and the post exposure stability of the latent image formed by the pattern-wise exposure of the resist layer, at least one compound (E) (hereafter referred to as the component (E)) selected from the group consisting of an organic carboxylic acid, or a phosphorus oxo acid or derivative thereof can be added.

Examples of suitable organic carboxylic acids include acetic acid, malonic acid, citric acid, malic acid, succinic acid, benzoic acid, and salicylic acid.

Examples of phosphorus oxo acids or derivatives thereof include phosphoric acid, phosphonic acid and phosphinic acid. Among these, phosphonic acid is particularly desirable.

Examples of oxo acid derivatives include esters in which a hydrogen atom within the above-mentioned oxo acids is substituted with a hydrocarbon group. Examples of the hydrocarbon group include an alkyl group of 1 to 5 carbon atoms and an aryl group of 6 to 15 carbon atoms.

Examples of phosphoric acid derivatives include phosphoric acid esters such as di-n-butyl phosphate and diphenyl phosphate.

Examples of phosphonic acid derivatives include phosphonic acid esters such as dimethyl phosphonate, di-n-butyl phosphonate, phenylphosphonic acid, diphenyl phosphonate and dibenzyl phosphonate.

Examples of phosphinic acid derivatives include phosphinic acid esters such as phenylphosphinic acid.

As the component (E), one type may be used alone, or two or more types may be used in combination.

As the component (E), an organic carboxylic acid is preferable, and saicylic acid is particularly desirable.

The component (E) is typically used in an amount within a range from 0.01 to 5.0 parts by weight, relative to 100 parts by weight of the component (A).

If desired, other miscible additives can also be added to the resist composition of the present invention. Examples of such miscible additives include additive resins for improving the performance of the resist film, surfactants for improving the applicability, dissolution inhibitors, plasticizers, stabilizers, colorants, halation prevention agents, and dyes.

<Component (S)>

The resist composition of the present invention can be prepared by dissolving the materials for the resist composition in an organic solvent (S) (hereafter, frequently referred to as “component (S)”).

The component (S) may be any organic solvent which can dissolve the respective components to give a uniform solution, and any one or more kinds of organic solvents can be appropriately selected from those which have been conventionally known as solvents for a chemically amplified resist.

Examples thereof include lactones such as γ-butyrolactone; ketones such as acetone, methyl ethyl ketone, cyclohexanone, methyl-n-pentyl ketone, methyl isopentyl ketone, and 2-heptanone; polyhydric alcohols, such as ethylene glycol, diethylene glycol, propylene glycol and dipropylene glycol; compounds having an ester bond, such as ethylene glycol monoacetate, diethylene glycol monoacetate, propylene glycol monoacetate, and dipropylene glycol monoacetate; polyhydric alcohol derivatives including compounds having an ether bond, such as a monoalkylether (e.g., monomethylether, monoethylether, monopropylether or monobutylether) or monophenylether of any of these polyhydric alcohols or compounds having an ester bond (among these, propylene glycol monomethyl ether acetate (PGMEA) and propylene glycol monomethyl ether (PGME) are preferable); cyclic ethers such as dioxane; esters such as methyl lactate, ethyl lactate (EL), methyl acetate, ethyl acetate, butyl acetate, methyl pyruvate, ethyl pyruvate, methyl methoxypropionate, and ethyl ethoxypropionate; and aromatic organic solvents such as anisole, ethylbenzylether, cresylmethylether, diphenylether, dibenzylether, phenetole, butylphenylether, ethylbenzene, diethylbenzene, pentylbenzene, isopropylbenzene, toluene, xylene, cymene and mesitylene.

These solvents can be used individually, or in combination as a mixed solvent.

Among these, propylene glycol monomethyl ether acetate (PGMEA), propylene glycol monomethyl ether (PGME), and ethyl lactate (EL) are preferable.

Further, among the mixed solvents, a mixed solvent obtained by mixing PGMEA with a polar solvent is preferable. The mixing ratio (weight ratio) of the mixed solvent can be appropriately determined, taking into consideration the compatibility of the PGMEA with the polar solvent, but is preferably in the range of 1:9 to 9:1, more preferably from 2:8 to 8:2.

Specifically, when EL is mixed as the polar solvent, the PGMEA:EL weight ratio is preferably from 1:9 to 9:1, and more preferably from 2:8 to 8:2. Alternatively, when PGME is mixed as the polar solvent, the PGMEA:PGME is preferably from 1:9 to 9:1, more preferably from 2:8 to 8:2, and still more preferably 3:7 to 7:3.

Further, as the component (S), a mixed solvent of at least one of PGMEA and EL with y-butyrolactone is also preferable. The mixing ratio (former:latter) of such a mixed solvent is preferably from 70:30 to 95:5.

The amount of the organic solvent is not particularly limited, and is appropriately adjusted to a concentration which enables coating of a coating solution to a substrate, depending on the thickness of the coating film. In general, the organic solvent is used in an amount such that the solid content of the resist composition becomes within the range from 2 to 20% by weight, and preferably from 5 to 15% by weight.

<<Method of Forming a Resist Pattern>>

The method of forming a resist pattern according to the present invention includes: applying a resist composition of the present invention to a substrate to form a resist film on the substrate; conducting exposure of the resist film; and developing the resist film to form a resist pattern.

More specifically, the method for forming a resist pattern according to the present invention can be performed, for example, as follows. Firstly, a resist composition of the present invention is applied onto a substrate using a spinner or the like, and a prebake (post applied bake (PAB)) is conducted under temperature conditions of 80 to 150° C. for 40 to 120 seconds, preferably 60 to 90 seconds to form a resist film. Then, for example, using an ArF exposure apparatus or the like, the resist film is selectively exposed to an ArF excimer laser beam through a desired mask pattern, followed by post exposure bake (PEB) under temperature conditions of 80 to 150° C. for 40 to 120 seconds, preferably 60 to 90 seconds. Subsequently, developing is conducted using an alkali developing solution such as a 0.1 to 10% by weight aqueous solution of tetramethylammonium hydroxide (TMAH), preferably followed by rinsing with pure water, and drying. If desired, bake treatment (post bake) can be conducted following the developing. In this manner, a resist pattern that is faithful to the mask pattern can be obtained.

The substrate is not specifically limited and a conventionally known substrate can be used. For example, substrates for electronic components, and such substrates having wiring patterns formed thereon can be exemplified. Specific examples of the material of the substrate include metals such as silicon wafer, copper, chromium, iron and aluminum; and glass Suitable materials for the wiring pattern include copper, aluminum, nickel, and gold.

Further, as the substrate, any one of the above-exemplified substrates provided with an inorganic and/or organic film on the surface thereof may be used. As the inorganic film, an inorganic antireflection film (inorganic BARC) can be exemplified. As the organic film, an organic antireflection film (organic BARC) can be exemplified.

The wavelength to be used for exposure is not particularly limited and the exposure can be conducted using radiations such as ArF excimer laser, KrF excimer laser, F₂ excimer laser, extreme ultraviolet rays (EUV), vacuum ultraviolet rays (VUV), electron beam (EB), X-rays, and soft X-rays. The positive resist composition of the present invention is effective to KrF excimer laser, ArF excimer laser, EB and EUV, and particularly effective to ArF excimer laser.

The exposure of the resist film can be either a general exposure (dry exposure) conducted in air or an inert gas such as nitrogen, or immersion exposure (immersion lithography).

In immersion lithography, exposure (immersion exposure) is conducted in a state where the region between the lens and the resist layer formed on a wafer (which was conventionally filled with air or an inert gas such as nitrogen) is filled with a solvent (a immersion medium) that has a larger refractive index than the refractive index of air.

More specifically, in immersion lithography, the region between the resist film formed in the above-described manner and lens at the lowermost portion of the exposure apparatus is filled with a solvent (a immersion medium) that has a larger refractive index than the refractive index of air, and in this state, the resist film is subjected to exposure (immersion exposure) through a desired mask pattern.

The immersion medium preferably exhibits a refractive index larger than the refractive index of air but smaller than the refractive index of the resist film to be subjected to immersion exposure. The refractive index of the immersion medium is not particularly limited as long at it satisfies the above-mentioned requirements.

Examples of this immersion medium which exhibits a refractive index that is larger than the refractive index of air but smaller than the refractive index of the resist film include water, fluorine-based inert liquids, silicon-based solvents and hydrocarbon-based solvents.

Specific examples of the fluorine-based inert liquids include liquids containing a fluorine-based compound such as C₃HCl₂F₅, C₄F₉OCH₃, C₄F₉OC₂H₅ or C₅H₃F₇ as the main component, which have a boiling point within a range from 70 to 180° C. and preferably from 80 to 160° C. A fluorine-based inert liquid having a boiling point within the above-mentioned range is advantageous in that the removal of the immersion medium after the exposure can be conducted by a simple method.

As a fluorine-based inert liquid, a perfluoroalkyl compound in which all of the hydrogen atoms of the alkyl group are substituted with fluorine atoms is particularly desirable. Examples of these perfluoroalkyl compounds include perfluoroalkylether compounds and perfluoroalkylamine compounds.

Specifically, one example of a suitable perfluoroalkylether compound is perfluoro(2-butyl-tetrahydrofuran) (boiling point 102° C.), and an example of a suitable perfluoroalkylamine compound is perfluorotributylamine (boiling point 174° C.).

The resist composition of the present invention is a novel composition which was conventionally unknown.

By the resist composition of the present invention, a resist pattern exhibiting excellent lithography properties with respect to mask reproducibility (e.g., mask linearity, mask error factor, circularity of the holes of a hole pattern, and the like). The reason for this has not been elucidated yet, but is presumed as follows.

In the resist composition of the present invention, the aforementioned component (B1) is used as an acid generator.

The anion moiety of the component (B1) has a structure in which the skeleton “Y¹—SO₃ ⁻” has a bulky ring having a polar group (—X—, —C(═O)—O—) on the ring skeleton thereof bonded through “-Q¹-O—CO—”. As a result, the anion moiety of the component (B1) exhibits a high polarity and has a three-dimensionally bulky structure, as compared to a fluorinated alkylsulfonic ion which has been conventionally used as an anion moiety. By virtue of the intermolecular force due to the high polarity, and the three-dimensionally bulky structure, it is presumed that, even though the number of carbon atoms of Y¹ is as small as 1 to 4, diffusion of the anion moiety within the resist film is chemically and physically suppressed, as compared to the anion moiety of a conventional acid generator such as nonafluorobutanesulfonate. Therefore, by using the component (B1), diffusion of the acid generated in the exposed regions to the unexposed regions can be suppressed, and hence, the difference in alkali solubility between the exposed regions and the unexposed regions (i.e., dissolution contrast) can be improved, and it is presumed that resist pattern shapes such as the circularity of the holes of a hole pattern can be improved.

Further, for the same reason as described above, improvement in the exposure margin (EL margin) and depth of focus (DOF) is also expected. The EL margin is the range of the exposure dose at which a resist pattern can be formed with a size within a predetermined range of variation from a target size, when exposure is conducted by changing the exposure dose, i.e., the range of the exposure dose at which a resist pattern faithful to the mask pattern can be formed. The larger the exposure margin, the smaller the variation in the pattern size depending on the change in the exposure dose, thereby resulting in favorable improvement in the process margin. The “DOF” is the range of depth of focus in which a resist pattern having a predetermined size within the range corresponding to the target size can be formed when the exposure focus is moved upwardly or downwardly with the same exposure dose, i.e., the range in which a resist pattern faithful to the mask pattern can be obtained. Larger DOF is more preferable.

Furthermore, the alkyl chain of the alkylene group or fluorinated alkyl group for Y¹ exhibits an excellent decomposability, as compared to, for example, a perfluoroalkyl chain of 6 to 10 carbon atoms. Therefore, the effect of safety in handling in terms of bioaccumulation can be achieved.

EXAMPLES

As follows is a description of examples of the present invention, although the scope of the present invention is by no way limited by these examples.

Example 1

(i) 150 g of methyl fluorosulfonyl(difluoro)acetate and 375 g of pure water were maintained at 10° C. or lower in an ice bath, and 343.6 g of a 30% aqueous solution of sodium hydroxide was dropwise added thereto. Then, the resultant was refluxed at 100° C. for 3 hours, followed by cooling and neutralizing with concentrated hydrochloric acid. The resulting solution was dropwise added to 8,888 g of acetone, and the precipitate was collected by filtration and dried, thereby obtaining 184.5 g of a compound (I) in the form of a white solid (purity: 88.9%, yield: 95.5%).

(ii) 56.2 g of the compound (I) and 562.2 g of acetonitrile were prepared, and 77.4 g of p-toluenesulfonic acid hydrate was added thereto. The resultant was refluxed at 110° C. for 3 hours. Then, the reaction liquid was filtered, and the filtrate was concentrated and dried to obtain a solid. 900 g of t-butyl methyl ether was added to the obtained solid and stirred. Thereafter, the resultant was filtered, and the residue was dried, thereby obtaining 22.2 g of a compound (II) in the form of a white solid (purity: 91.0%, yield: 44.9%).

(iii) 5.00 g of a compound (II′) represented by formula (II′) shown below, 3.23 g of the compound (II) (purity: 91.0%) and 32.2 g of dichloroethane were prepared, and 0.328 g of p-toluenesulfonic acid hydrate was added thereto. The resultant was refluxed at 110° C. for 21 hours. Then, the reaction liquid was filtered, and 49.4 g of methyl ethyl ketone was added to the residue and stirred. Thereafter, the resultant was filtered, and the residue was dried, thereby obtaining 2.62 g of a compound (III) in the form of a brownish white solid (purity: 43.8%, yield: 21.3%).

Example 1-2

A compound (III) was produced in substantially the same manner as in Example 1, in accordance with the following steps (i′) to (iii′). The reactions performed in steps (i′) to (iii′) are substantially the same as in steps (i) to (iii) of Example 1, except that dichloroethane used in step (iii) of Example 1 was changed to toluene.

-   (i′) 192.1 g of methyl fluorosulfonyl(difluoro)acetate and 480 g of     pure water were maintained at 10° C. or lower in an ice bath, and     440 g of a 30% aqueous solution of sodium hydroxide was dropwise     added thereto. Then, the resultant was refluxed at 100° C. for 3     hours, followed by cooling and neutralizing with 10% hydrochloric     acid. The resulting solution was dropwise added to 9,074 g of     acetone, and the precipitate was collected by filtration and dried,     thereby obtaining 257.6 g of a compound (I) in the form of a white     solid (purity: 80.7%, yield: 94.5%). -   (ii′) 56.2 g of the compound (I) obtained in step (i′) above and     562.2 g of acetonitrile were prepared, and 77.4 g of     p-toluenesulfonic acid hydrate was added thereto. The resultant was     refluxed at 110° C. for 3 hours. Then, the reaction liquid was     filtered, and the filtrate was concentrated and dried to obtain a     solid. 900 g of t-butyl methyl ether was added to the obtained solid     and stirred. Thereafter, the resultant was filtered, and the residue     was dried, thereby obtaining 25.7 g of a compound (II) in the form     of a white solid (purity: 91.0%, yield: 52.0%). -   (iii′) 5.00 g of a compound (II) obtained in step (ii′) above     (purity: 91.0 %), 3.69 g of the compound (II′) and 25.00 g of     toluene were prepared, and 0.410 g of p-toluenesulfonic acid hydrate     was added thereto. The resultant was refluxed at 110° C. for 20     hours. Then, the reaction liquid was filtered, and 79.50 g of methyl     ethyl ketone was added to the residue. Thereafter, the resultant was     filtered, followed by washing the residue with 23.86 g of methanol     twice. The resulting precipitate was dried, thereby obtaining 4.55 g     of a compound (III) in the form of a white solid (purity: 97.5%,     yield: 55.8%).

Example 1-3

5.00 g of the compound (II) obtained in step (ii′) of Example 1-2 (purity: 91.0 %), 3.69 g of the compound (II′) and 25.00 g of toluene were prepared, and 0.210 g of p-toluenesulfonic acid hydrate was added thereto. The resultant was refluxed at 110° C. for 26 hours. Then, the reaction liquid was filtered, and 79.50 g of methyl ethyl ketone was added to the residue and stirred. Thereafter, the resultant was filtered, followed by washing the residue with 23.86 g of methanol twice. The resulting precipitate was dried, thereby obtaining 3.15 g of a compound (III) in the form of a white solid (purity: 99.7%, yield: 39.5%).

Example 1-4

5.00 g of the compound (II) obtained in step (ii′) of Example 1-2 (purity: 91.0 %), 2.95 g of the compound (II′) and 25.00 g of toluene were prepared, and 0.210 g of p-toluenesulfonic acid hydrate was added thereto. The resultant was refluxed at 110° C. for 24 hours. Then, the reaction liquid was filtered, and 63.6 g of methyl ethyl ketone was added to the residue and stirred. Thereafter, the resultant was filtered, followed by washing the residue with 19.08 g of methanol twice. The resulting precipitate was dried, thereby obtaining 4.07 g of a compound (III) in the form of a white solid (purity: 99.8%, yield: 63.9%).

From a comparison of Exarnple 1 and Examples 1-2 to 1-4, it was found that the purity and yield of the obtained compound (III) was significantly large in Examples 1-2 to 1-4 in which toluene was used as a solvent for reacting the compound (II) and the compound (II′), as compared to Example 1 in which dichloromethane was used as the solvent.

Further, from a comparison of Example 1-3 and Example 1-4, it was found that in Example 1-4 in which the amount of the compound (II′) used based on the amount of the compound (II) was slightly smaller, the compound (III) could be produced in a short time with a high yield and a high purity.

Example 2

1.36 g of a compound (III) (purity: 43.8%) was dissolved in 13.6 g of pure water. 0.51 g of triphenylsulfonium bromide was dissolved in 5.10 g of dichloromethane and added to the resulting solution, followed by stirring at room temperature for 3 hours. Then, the organic phase was separated and taken out. The organic phase was washed with 18.6 g of pure water, followed by concentration and drying, thereby obtaining 0.23 g of a compound (IV) in the form of a colorless viscous liquid (yield: 26.8%).

The obtained compound (IV) was analyzed by NMR.

¹H-NMR(DMSO-d6,400 MHz): δ(ppm)=7.89-7.77(m,15H,Ha), 5.48(m,1H,Hb), 4.98(s,1H,Hc), 4.73-4.58(d,2H,Hd), 2.71(m,1H,He), 2.14(m,2H,Hf).

¹⁹F-NMR(DMSO-d6, 376 MHz): δ(ppm)=−107.1.

From the results above, it was confirmed that the compound (IV) had a structure shown below.

Example 3

A compound (V) shown below was produced as follows.

To methanesulfonic acid (60.75 g) controlled to 20° C. or lower was added phosphorus oxide (8.53 g), 2,5-dimethylphenol (8.81 g) and diphenylsulfoxide (12.2 g) in small amounts. The resultant was matured for 30 minutes while maintaining the temperature at 15 to 20° C., followed by elevating the temperature to 40° C. and maturing for 2 hours. Then, the reaction liquid was dropwise added to pure water (109.35 g) cooled to 15° C. or lower. Thereafter, dichloromethane (54.68 g) was added and stirred, and the dichloromethane phase was collected. Hexane (386.86 g) at a temperature of 20 to 25° C. was charged into a separate vessel, and the dichloromethane phase was dropwise added thereto. Then, the resultant was matured at 20 to 25° C. for 30 minutes, followed by filtration, thereby obtaining an objective compound (yield: 70.9%).

The obtained compound (hereafter, referred to as “compound (5-1)”) was analyzed by ¹H-NMR. The results are shown below.

¹H-NMR(DMSO-d6, 600 MHz): δ(ppm)=7.61-7.72(m,10H,phenyl), 7.14(s,2H,Hc), 3.12(s,3H,Hb), 2.22(s,6H,Ha).

From the results shown above, it was confirmed that the compound (5-1) had a structure shown below.

Subsequently, the compound (5-1) (4 g) was dissolved in dichloromethane (79.8 g). After confirming that the compound (5-1) had dissolved in dichloromethane, potassium carbonate (6.87 g) was added thereto, and bromoacetic acid methyl adamantane (3.42 g) was further added. A reaction was effected under reflux for 24 hours, followed by filtration, washing with water, and crystallization with hexane. The resulting powder was dried under reduced pressure, thereby obtaining 3.98 g of an objective compound (yield: 66%).

The obtained compound (hereafter, referred to as “compound (5-2)”) was analyzed by ¹H-NMR. The results are shown below.

¹H-NMR(CDCl₃, 600 MHz): δ(ppm)=7.83-7.86(m,4H,phenyl), 7.69-7.78(m,6H,phenyl), 7.51(s,2H,Hd), 4.46(s,2H,Hc), 2.39(s,6H,Ha), 2.33(s,2H,Adamantane), 2.17(s,2H,Adamantane), 1.71-1.976(m,11H,Adamantane), 1.68(s,3H,Hb), 1.57-1.61(m,2H,Adamantane).

From the results shown above, it was confirmed that the compound (5-2) had a structure shown below.

The compound (5-2) (1.79 g) was dissolved in a mixed solution of water (15.81 g) and dichloromethane (31.62 g). Then, the compound (III) obtained in Example 1-4 (purity: 99.8%) (1.33 g) was added to the solution in small amounts, and the resultant was stirred at 25° C. for 1 hour. After the completion of the reaction, the dichloromethane solution was washed with water, and concentrated and solidified. The resulting powder was dispersed in hexane for washing, and the resultant was dried under reduced pressure, thereby obtaining 2.35 g of the objective compound (V) (yield: 83.3%).

The obtained compound (V) was analyzed by ¹H-NMR. The results are shown below.

¹H-NMR(DMSO-d6, 400 MHz): δ(ppm)=7.76-7.88(m, 10H,Phenyl), 7.63(s,2H,Hb), 5.51(s,1H,Hd), 5.01(s,1H,He), 4.62-4.76(m,4H,Hc+Hf), 2.75(m,1H, Hh), 2.53-1.51(m,19H,Hg+Adamantane).

¹⁹F-NMR(DMSO-d6, 400 MHz): δ(ppm)=−106.7.

From the results shown above, it was confirmed that the compound (V) had a structure shown below.

Example 4

A compound (VI) shown below was produced as follows.

-   (i″) 17.7 g of a compound (II) (yield: 91.0%), 13 g of a compound     (II′) and 88.3 g of toluene were prepared, and 5.85 g of     p-toluenesulfonic acid hydrate was added thereto. The resultant was     refluxed at 130° C. for 26 hours. Then, the reaction liquid was     filtered, and 279.9 g of methyl ethyl ketone was added to the     residue and stirred. Thereafter, the resultant was filtered,     followed by adding 84.0 g of methanol and stirring. The resultant     was filtered, and the residue was dried, thereby obtaining 20.2 g of     a compound (III) (purity: 99.9%, yield: 72.1%).

-   (ii′) 15.0 g of the compound (III) obtained in step (i″) above     (purity: 99.9%) was dissolved in 66.4 g of pure water. 13.3 g of     4-methylphenylsulfonium was dissolved in 132.8 g of dichloromethane     and added to the resulting solution, followed by stirring at room     temperature for 3 hours. Then, the organic phase was separated and     taken out. The organic phase was washed with 66.4 g of pure water,     followed by concentration and drying, thereby obtaining 20.2 g of a     compound (VI) in the form of a colorless viscous liquid (yield:     88.1%).

The obtained compound (VI) was analyzed by NMR. The results are shown below.

¹H-NMR(DMSO-d6, 400 MHz): δ(ppm)=7.86-7.58(m,14H,Ha+Hb), 5.48(m,1H,Hd), 4.98(s,1H,He), 4.73-4.58(d,2H,Ht), 2.71(m,1H,Hg), 2.43(m,3H, Hc), 2.12(m,2H,Hh).

¹⁹F-NMR(DMSO-d6, 376 MHz): δ(ppm)=−106.9.

From the results above, it was confirmed that the compound (VI) had a structure shown below.

Example 5

A compound (VII) shown below was produced as follows.

2.1 g of diphenyliodonium methanesulfonate, 2.0 g of the compound (III) obtained in Example 1-4 (purity: 99.8%), 10.2 g of pure water and dichloromethane (20.4 g) were added and mixed together, followed by stirring at room temperature for 2 hours. The organic phase was separated and collected, and washed with 10.2 g of pure water, followed by crystallization with hexane, thereby obtaining 2.15 g of an objective compound (hereafter, referred to as “compound (7-1)”) in the form of a white solid (yield: 67.1%).

The obtained compound (7-1) was analyzed by NMR. The results are shown below.

¹H-NMR(DMSO-d6, 400 MHz): δ(ppm)=8.17-8.29(d,4H,Ha), 7.64-7.68(t,2H,Hc), 7.49-7.58(t,4H,Hb), 5.46(t,1H,Hd), 4.97(s,1H,He), 4.57-4.70(d,2H,Hf), 2.70-2.72(m,1H,Hg), 2.11-2.16(m,2H,Hh).

¹⁹F-NMR(DMSO-d6, 376 MHz): δ(ppm)=−107.14, −106.98.

From the results shown above, it was confirmed that the compound (7-1) had a structure shown below.

Subsequently, a mixed liquid of 0.42 g of dibenzothiophene, 1.5 g of the compound (7-1), 0.019 g of copper (II) benzoate and 2.25 g of chlorobenzene was prepared, and the mixed liquid was stirred at 100° C. for 1 hour. Then, 13.15 g of hexane was dropwise added to the reaction liquid, and the resulting powder was dissolved in 13.15 g of dichloromethane. The resulting solution was washed with 13.15 g of a 1% aqueous solution of ammonia, followed by washing with water (13.15 g) three times. Thereafter, the organic phase was crystallized with hexane, thereby obtaining 1.05 g of a compound (VII) in the form of a white solid (yield: 80.2%).

The obtained compound (VII) was analyzed by NMR. The results are shown below.

¹H-NMR(DMSO-d6, 400 MHz): δ(ppm)=8.50-8.52(d,2H,Ha), 8.32-8.38(d,2H,Hd), 7.91-7.97(t,2H,Hb), 7.67-7.70(t,2H,Hc), 7.52-7.63(m,5H,phenyl), 5.45-5.47(t,1H,He), 4.97(s,1H,Hf), 4.57-4.71(d,2H,Hg), 2.69-2.72(m,1H,Hh), 2.04-2.15(m,2H,Hi).

¹⁹F-NMR(DMSO-d6, 376 MHz): δ(ppm)=−107.20, −106.99.

From the results shown above, it was confirmed that the compound (VII) had a structure shown below.

Example 6

A compound (VIII) shown below was produced as follows.

To 33.6 g of methanesulfonic acid was added 6.50 g of diphosphorus pentaoxide in small amounts, and 7.48 g of 2,6-dimethylanisole and 9.17 g of dibenzothiophene oxide was further added. The resultant was stirred at 45° C. for 2 hours, and 90 g of pure water and 150 g of hexane was added thereto. Then, liquid separation was conducted to obtain an aqueous phase.

To 61.02 g of the aqueous solution obtained above was added 61.02 g of dichloromethane and 4.00 g of the compound (III) obtained in Example 1-4 (purity: 99.8%), and the resultant was stirred for 1 hour. The resulting organic solvent phase was washed with 60 g of pure water three times, followed by crystallizing with hexane, thereby obtaining 5.44 g of a compound (VIII) in the form of a white solid (yield: 75.3%).

In the chemical formula shown below, Me represents a methyl group.

The obtained compound (VIII) was analyzed by NMR. The results are shown below.

¹H-NMR(DMSO-d6, 400 MHz): δ(ppm)=8.49-8.51(d,2H,Ha), 8.31-8.35(d,2H,Hd), 7.90-7.96(t,2H,Hb), 7.72-7.76(t,2H,Hc), 7.31(s,2H,He), 5.45-5.47(t,1H,Hf), 4.97(s,1H, Hg), 4.57-4.72(d,2H,Hh), 3.67(s,3H,Hk), 2.71-2.73(m,1H,Hi), 2.08-2.21 (m,8H,Hj+Hl).

¹⁹F-NMR(DMSO-d6, 376 MHz): δ(ppm)=−107.19, −106.98.

From the results above, it was confirmed that the compound (VIII) had a structure shown below.

Example 7

34.10 g of a compound (7-1) shown below, 51.00 g of chlorobenzene, pentamethylenesulfide (6.18 g) and 0.463 g of copper (II) benzoate were charged into a reaction vessel, and stirred at 100° C. for 1 hour. Then, the reaction liquid was cooled to 50° C., and 123 g of t-butyl methyl ether was dropwise added thereto. The resulting solid was dissolved in 164 g of dichloromethane, followed by washing with 16.5 g of a 1% aqueous solution of NH₃. The solution was further washed with 16.5 g of pure water four times, and then dropwise added to 200 g of t-butyl methyl ether, thereby obtaining 11.5 g of an objective compound (7-2) (yield: 47%).

The obtained compound (7-2) was analyzed by NMR. The results are shown below.

¹H-NMR(DMSO-d6, 400 MHz): δ(ppm)=8.07(d,2H,Ph-H), 7.81(d,2H,Ph-H), 7.43(d,2H,PTS), 7.12(d,2H,PTS), 4.10(t,2H,CH₂), 3.59(d,2H,CH₂), 2.32(s, 3H,CH₃), 2.20(d,2H,CH₂), 2.19-1.71(m,4H,CH₂), 1.23(s,9H,t-Bu).

From the results above, it was confirmed that the compound (7-2) had a structure shown above.

Subsequently, 7.66 g of the compound (7-2) and 23.00 g of pure water were charged into a reaction vessel and stirred. Then, 11.15 g of the compound (III) was added thereto, and 76.6 g of dichloromethane was further added and stirred for 24 hours. Thereafter, the reaction liquid was separated, and the collected organic phase (dichloromethane phase) was washed with 73.4 g of a 1% aqueous solution of hydrochloric acid twice, followed by washing with pure water four times. Then, the organic phase was separated, and dichloromethane was removed by depressurizing, thereby obtaining 2.17 g of an objective compound (X) (yield: 16.4%).

The obtained compound (X) was analyzed by NMR. The results are shown below.

¹H-NMR(DMSO-d6, 400 MHz): δ(ppm)=7.96(d,2H,Ph-H), 7.71(d,2H,Ph-H), 5.49(t,1H,CH), 4.97(s,1H,CH), 4.71(d,1H,CH), 4.58(s,1H,CH), 3.77(m,4H,CH₂), 2.72(m,1H,CH), 2.15(m,4H,CH₂), 1.97(m,2H,CH₂), 1.73(m,2H,CH₂), 1.30(s, 9H,t-Bu).

From the results above, it was confirmed that the compound (X) had a structure shown above.

Examples 8 to 11, Comparative Example 1

The components shown in Table 1 were mixed together and dissolved to obtain positive resist compositions.

TABLE 1 Component (A) Component (B) Component (D) Component (E) Component (S) Example 8 (A)-1 (B)-1 (D)-1 (E)-1 (S)-1 (S)-2 [100] [6.5] [0.50] [1.32] [2000] [10] Example 9 (A)-1 (B)-2 (D)-1 (E)-1 (S)-1 (S)-2 [100] [14.0]  [0.50] [1.32] [2000] [10] Example 10 (A)-1 (B)-3 (D)-1 (E)-1 (S)-1 (S)-2 [100] [6.5] [0.50] [1.32] [2000] [10] Example 11 (A)-2 (B)-3 (D)-1 (E)-1 (S)-1 (S)-2 [100] [6.5] [0.75] [1.32] [2000] [10] Comparative (A)-1 (B′)-1 (D)-1 (E)-1 (S)-1 (S)-2 Example 1 [100] [8.0] [0.50] [1.32] [2000] [10]

In Table 1, the values in brackets [ ] indicate the amount (in terms of parts by weight) of the component added. Further, the reference characters indicate the following.

(A)-1: a copolymer represented by chemical formula (A)-1 shown below (wherein 1/m/n=45/35/20 (molar ratio)) with Mw=7,000 and Mw/Mn=1.8

(A)-2: a copolymer represented by chemical formula (A)-2 shown below (wherein 1/m/n=45/35/20 (molar ratio)) with Mw=5,000 and Mw/Mn=1.7

(B)-1: the aforementioned compound (IV)

(B)-2: the aforementioned compound (V)

(B)-3: the aforementioned compound (VI)

(B′)-1: 4-methylphenyldiphenylsulfonium nonafluoro-n-butanesulfonate

(D)-1: tri-n-pentylamine

(S)-1: salicylic acid

(S)-1: a mixed solvent of PGMEA/PGME=6/4 (weight ratio)

(S)-2: γ-butyrolactone

[Resolution Sensitivity]

An organic anti-reflection film composition (product name: ARC29A, manufactured by Brewer Science Ltd.) was applied onto an 8-inch silicon wafer using a spinner, and the composition was then baked at 205° C. for 60 seconds, thereby forming an organic anti-reflection film having a film thickness of 84 nm. Then, a positive resist composition shown in Table 1 was applied onto the anti-reflection film using a spinner, and was then prebaked (PAB) on a hotplate at 120° C. for 60 seconds and dried, thereby forming a resist film having a film thickness of 150 nm.

Subsequently, a coating solution for forming a protection film (product name: TSRC-002; manufactured by Tokyo Ohka Kogyo Co., Ltd.) was applied onto the resist film using a spinner, and then heated at 90° C. for 60 seconds, thereby forming a top coat with a film thickness of 28 nm.

Thereafter, using an ArF exposure apparatus for immersion lithography (product name: NSR-S609B, manufactured by Nikon Corporation, NA (numerical aperture)=1.07, 2/3 annular illumination, reduction ratio: 1/4, immersion medium: water), the resist film having a top coat formed thereon was selectively irradiated with an ArF excimer laser (193 nm) through a mask.

Next, the top coat was removed using a protection-film removing solution (product name: TS-Rememover-S; manufactured by Tokyo Ohka Kogyo Co., Ltd.). Then, a post exposure bake (PEB) treatment was conducted at 110° C. for 60 seconds, followed by development for 60 seconds at 23° C. in a 2.38% by weight aqueous solution of tetramethylammonium hydroxide (product name: NMD-3; manufactured by Tokyo Ohka Kogyo Co., Ltd.). Then, the resist film was rinsed for 30 seconds with pure water, followed by drying by shaking.

As a result, in each of the examples, a line and space pattern with a line width of 65 nm and a pitch of 130 nm was formed on the resist film.

The optimum exposure dose (sensitivity: Eop, mJ/cm²) with which a line and space pattern having a line width of 65 nm and a pitch of 130 nm was formed was determined. As a result, it was found that the optimum exposure dose was 35.6 mJ/cm² in Example 8, 30.0 mJ/cm² in Example 9, 36.0 mJ/cm² in Example 10, 27.0 mJ/cm² in Example 11 and 33.5 mJ/cm² in Comparative Example 1.

<Mask Linearity>

With the above Eop, the LS ratio (ratio of the line width to the space width) of the mask pattern was fixed to 1:1, and the mask size (line width) was changed by 5 nm within the range of 65 to 120 nm to form LS patterns. The size (line width) of the formed LS patterns were measured.

As a result, in Examples 8 to 11, LS patterns having a size more faithful to the mask size could be formed, and hence, it was confirmed that the resist compositions of Examples 8 to 11 exhibited excellent mask reproducibility as compared to the resist composition of Comparative Example 1.

Examples 12 to 15, Comparative Example 2

The components shown in Table 2 were mixed together and dissolved to obtain positive resist compositions.

TABLE 2 Component (A) Component (B) Component (D) Component (E) Component (S) Example 12 (A)-1 (B)-3 (B′)-2 (D)-1 (E)-1 (S)-1 (S)-2 [100] [0.8] [10.4] [1.0] [1.32] [2000] [10] Example 13 (A)-1 (B)-2 (B′)-2 (D)-1 (E)-1 (S)-1 (S)-2 [100] [1.2] [10.4] [1.0] [1.32] [2000] [10] Example 14 (A)-1 (B)-2 (B′)-2 (D)-1 (E)-1 (S)-1 (S)-2 [100] [2.3]  [9.2] [1.0] [1.32] [2000] [10] Example 15 (A)-1 (B)-2 — (D)-1 (E)-1 (S)-1 (S)-2 [100] [11.7]  [1.0] [1.32] [2000] [10] Comparative (A)-1 — (B′)-2 (D)-1 (E)-1 (S)-1 (S)-2 Example 2 [100] [11.7] [1.0] [1.32] [2000] [10]

In Table 2, the values in brackets [ ] indicate the amount (in terms of parts by weight) of the component added. Further, in Table 2, (A)-1, (B)-2, (B)-3, (D)-1, (E)-1, (S)-1 and (S)-2 are as defined above, and (B′)-2 indicates a compound represented by chemical formula (B′)-2 shown below.

Using the obtained resist compositions, the following evaluations were performed.

[Resolution Sensitivity]

An organic anti-reflection film composition (product name: ARC29A, manufactured by Brewer Science Ltd.) was applied onto an 8-inch silicon wafer using a spinner, and the composition was then baked at 205° C. for 60 seconds, thereby forming an organic anti-reflection film having a film thickness of 89 nm. Then, each of the resist compositions obtained above was applied onto the anti-reflection film using a spinner, and was then prebaked (PAB) on a hotplate at 110° C. for 60 seconds and dried, thereby forming a resist film having a film thickness of 150 nm.

Subsequently, a coating solution for forming a protection film (product name: TILC-035; manufactured by Tokyo Ohka Kogyo Co., Ltd.) was applied onto the resist film using a spinner, and then heated at 90° C. for 60 seconds, thereby forming a top coat with a film thickness of 90 nm.

Thereafter, using an ArF exposure apparatus for immersion lithography (product name: NSR-S609B, manufactured by Nikon Corporation, NA (numerical aperture) =1.07, σ0.97), the resist film having a top coat formed thereon was selectively irradiated with an ArF excimer laser (193 nm) through a mask having a hole pattern.

Next, a post exposure bake (PEB) treatment was conducted at 105° C. for 60 seconds, followed by development for 60 seconds at 23° C. in a 2.38% by weight aqueous solution of tetramethylammonium hydroxide (product name: NMD-3; manufactured by Tokyo Ohka Kogyo Co., Ltd.). Then, the resist film was rinsed for 30 seconds with pure water, followed by drying by shaking.

As a result, in each of the examples, a contact hole pattern (hereafter, referred to as “Dence CH pattern”) in which holes having a hole diameter of 90 nm were equally spaced (pitch: 180 nm) was formed on the resist film.

Further, the optimum exposure dose (sensitivity: Bop, mJ/cm²) with which the Dence CH pattern was formed was determined. The results are shown in Table 3.

[Depth of Focus (DOF)]

With the above-mentioned Eop, the focus was appropriately shifted up and down and resist patterns were formed in the same manner as in the evaluation of “resolution sensitivity”, and the depth of focus (DOF) (unit: nm) with which a Dence CH pattern was formed within the range where the variation in the target size of the Dence CH pattern was ±5% (i.e., 85.5 to 94.5 nm) was determined. The results are shown in Table 3.

<Mask Error Factor (MEF)>

With the above-mentioned Eop, CH patterns were formed by fixing the pitch at 180 nm and changing the target size of the hole diameter to 86 nm, 88 nm, 90 nm, 92 nm and 94 nm. The value of the mask error factor was determined as the gradient of a graph obtained by plotting the target size (nm) on the horizontal axis, and the actual hole diameter (nm) of the formed CH patterns on the vertical axis. A MEF value (gradient of the plotted line) closer to 1 indicates that a resist pattern faithful to the mask pattern was formed. The results are shown in Table 3.

[EL Margin]

The exposure dose with which a Dence CH pattern having a dimension of the target dimension (hole diameter: 90 nm) ±5% (i.e., 85.5 to 94.5 nm) was determined, and the EL margin (unit: %) was determined by the following formula. The results are shown in Table 3. EL margin (%)=(|E1−E2|/Eop)×100 wherein E1 represents the exposure dose (mJ/cm²) for forming a CH pattern having a hole diameter of 85.5 nm, and E2 represents the exposure dose (mJ/cm²) for forming a CH pattern having a hole diameter of 94.5 nm.

TABLE 3 Ex. 12 Ex. 13 Ex. 14 Ex. 15 Comp. Ex. 2 Eop (mJ/cm²) 37.0 38.5 39.9 70.0 43.0 DOF (μm) 0.12 0.14 0.13 0.15 0.12 MEF 2.80 2.77 2.47 2.33 2.86 EL margin (%) 11.08 11.06 11.53 10.92 10.43

As shown in Table 3, the resist compositions of Examples 12 to 15 exhibited excellent MEF and EL margin, as compared to the resist composition of Comparative Example 2. Further, the resist compositions of Examples 12 to 15 exhibited about the same or higher level of DOF, as compared to the resist composition of Comparative Example 2.

From the results above, it was confirmed that the resist compositions of Examples 8 to 15 exhibited excellent lithography properties.

Example 16

6.90 g of a compound (11-1), 28.0 g of water and 68.9 g of dichloromethane were stirred at room temperature, and 8.88 g of the compound (III) was added thereto. The resultant was stirred for 2 hours, and then subjected to liquid separation to collect the organic phase. 200 g of dichloromethane was added to the organic phase, followed by washing with 48.0 g of a 1% aqueous solution of hydrochloric acid once, and washing with 48.0 g of pure water four times. The resulting organic phase was concentrated and solidified, thereby obtaining 6.91 g of a compound (XI) (yield: 55.3%).

The obtained compound (XI) was analyzed by NMR. The results are shown below.

¹H-NMR(DMSO-d6, 400 MHz): δ(ppm)=7.99(d,2H,H_(d)), 7.76(t,1H,H_(f)), 7.62(t,2H,H_(e)),5.46(t,1H,H_(j)), 5.30(s,2H,H_(c)), 4.96(s, 1H,H_(k)), 4.71(d,1H,H_(i)), 4.58(d,1H,H_(i)), 3.54(m,4H,H_(b)), 2.72(m, 1H,H_(h)), 2.05-2.28(m,6H,Ha+H_(g)).

¹⁹F-NMR(DMSO-d6, 376 MHz): δ(ppm)=−107.1.

From the results above, it was confirmed that the compound (XI) had a structure shown below.

Example 17

7.56 g of a compound (12-1) was dissolved in 75.64 g of pure water, and 10.18 g of the compound (III) and 37.82 g of dichloromethane was added thereto and stirred at room temperature for 2 hours. Then, the organic phase was separated and taken out, and washed with a 1% aqueous solution of hydrochloric acid three times in an equivalent amount to the organic phase in terms of weight, followed by washing with pure water four times in an equivalent amount to the organic phase in terms of weight. Thereafter, the organic phase was concentrated and solidified, followed by drying over one night using a vacuum pump, thereby obtaining 10.21 g of a compound (XII) in the form of a white solid (purity: 97.6% by weight, yield: 85.3%).

The obtained compound (XII) was analyzed by NMR. The results are shown below.

¹H-NMR(DMSO-d6, 400 MHz): δ(ppm)=0.87(m,3H,H_(a)), 1.28(m,2H,H_(b)), 1.54(m,2H,H_(c)), 2.11(m,2H,H_(d)), 2.67-2.78(m,3H,H_(e)+H_(f)), 4.58(t,1H,H_(g)), 4.71(m,1H,H_(g)), 5.00(m,1H,H_(h)), 5.47(m,1H,H_(i)), 7.72(m,2H,H_(k)), 7.74-7.85(m,12H,H_(l)).

¹⁹F-NMR(DMSO-d6, 376 MHz): δ(ppm)=−106.1 −107.6(m,2F,F_(a))

From the results above, it was confirmed that the compound (XII) had a structure shown below.

Example 18

26.5 g of dibutyl sulfate was added to 5.3 g of thioanisole, and stirred at 100° C. for 19 hours. Then, the reaction liquid was dropwise added to a mixture of 53.0 g of pure water and 37.3 g of t-butyl methyl ether, followed by liquid separation, and the resultant was washed with 37.3 g of t-butyl methyl ether twice. 399 g of dichloromethane was added to the resulting aqueous phase, and subjected to liquid separation to collect the organic phase. The organic phase was washed with 42.8 g of pure water three times, and the resulting organic phase was concentrated and solidified, thereby obtaining 6.7 g of a compound (18-1) (yield: 41.7%).

The obtained compound (18-1) was analyzed by NMR. The results are shown below.

¹H-NMR(DMSO-d6, 400 MHz): δ(ppm)=8.15(d,2H,H_(a)), 7.85-7.63(m,3H,H_(b)), 3.89-3.70(m,6H,H_(c)), 1.52-1.19(m, 12H,H_(d)), 0.89-0.60(m,9H,H_(e)).

From the results above, it was confirmed that the compound (18-1) had a structure shown below.

4.89 g of the compound (18-1) and 26.5 g of pure water were stirred at room temperature, and 53.0 g of dichloromethane and 5.30 g of the compound (III) were added thereto. The resultant was stirred for 1 hour, and subjected to liquid separation to collect the organic phase. The organic phase was washed with 26.5 g of a 1% aqueous solution of HCl twice, followed by washing with 26.5 g of pure water four times. The resulting organic phase was concentrated and solidified, thereby obtaining 4.00 g of a compound (XII) (yield: 57.4%).

The obtained compound (XIII) was analyzed by NMR. The results are shown below.

¹H-NMR(DMSO-d6, 400 MHz): δ(ppm)=8.12(d,2H,H_(a)), 7.82-7.63(m,3H,H_(b)), 5.45(t,1H,H_(c)), 4.98(t,1H,H_(d)), 4.69, 4.58(m,2H,H_(e)), 3.89-3.70(m,4H, H_(f)), 2.71(q,1H,H_(g)), 2.12(t,2H,H_(h)), 1.52-1.19(m,8H,H_(i)), 0.89-0.60(m,6H,H_(j)).

¹⁹F-NMR(DMSO-d6, 376 MHz): δ(ppm)=−106.7, −106.9.

From the results above, it was confirmed that the compound (XIII) had a structure shown below. 

1. A resist composition comprising a base component (A) which exhibits changed solubility in an alkali developing solution under action of acid and an acid-generator component (B) which generates acid upon exposure, said acid-generator component (B) comprising an acid generator (B 1) consisting of a compound represented by general formula (b1-1) shown below:

wherein X represents —O—, —S—, —O—R³— or —S—R⁴—, wherein each of R³ and R⁴ independently represents an alkylene group of 1 to 5 carbon atoms; R² represents an alkyl group of 1 to 6 carbon atoms, an alkoxy group of 1 to 6 carbon atoms, a halogenated alkyl group of 1 to 6 carbon atoms, a halogen atom, a hydroxyalkyl group of 1 to 6 carbon atoms, a hydroxyl group or a cyano group; a represents an integer of 0 to 2; Q¹ represents an alkylene group of 1 to 12 carbon atoms or a single bond; Y¹ represents an alkylene group of 1 to 4 carbon atoms or a fluorinated alkylene group; and A⁺ represents an organic cation.
 2. The resist composition according to claim 1, wherein said base component (A) is a base component which exhibits increased solubility in an alkali developing solution under action of acid.
 3. The resist composition according to claim 2, wherein said base component (A) comprises a resin component (A1) which exhibits increased solubility in an alkali developing solution under action of acid, and said resin component (A1) has a structural unit (a1) derived from an acrylate ester containing an acid dissociable, dissolution inhibiting group.
 4. The resist composition according to claim 3, wherein said resin component (A1) further has a structural unit (a2) derived from an acrylate ester containing a lactone-containing cyclic group.
 5. The resist composition according to claim 3, wherein said resin component (A1) further has a structural unit (a3) derived from an acrylate ester containing a polar group-containing aliphatic hydrocarbon group.
 6. The resist composition according to claim 1, which further comprises a nitrogen-containing organic compound (D).
 7. A method of forming a resist pattern, comprising: applying a resist composition of any one of claims 1 to 6 to a substrate to form a resist film on the substrate; conducting exposure of said resist film; and alkali-developing said resist film to form a resist pattern.
 8. A compound represented by general formula (I) shown below:

wherein X represents —O—, —S—, —O—R³— or —S—R⁴—, wherein each of R³ and R⁴ independently represents an alkylene group of 1 to 5 carbon atoms; R² represents an alkyl group of 1 to 6 carbon atoms, an alkoxy group of 1 to 6 carbon atoms, a halogenated alkyl group of 1 to 6 carbon atoms, a halogen atom, a hydroxyalkyl group of 1 to 6 carbon atoms, a hydroxyl group or a cyano group; a represents an integer of 0 to 2; Q¹ represents an alkylene group of 1 to 12 carbon atoms or a single bond; Y¹ represents an alkylene group of 1 to 4 carbon atoms or a fluorinated alkylene group; and M⁺ represents an alkali metal ion.
 9. A method of producing a compound (I) represented by general formula (I) shown below, comprising subjecting a compound (I-3) represented by general formula (I-3) shown below and a compound (I-4) represented by general formula (I-4) shown below to dehydration/condensation, to thereby obtain said compound (I):

wherein X represents —O—, —S—, —O—R³— or —S—R⁴—, wherein each of R³ and R⁴ independently represents an alkylene group of 1 to 5 carbon atoms; R² represents an alkyl group of 1 to 6 carbon atoms, an alkoxy group of 1 to 6 carbon atoms, a halogenated alkyl group of 1 to 6 carbon atoms, a halogen atom, a hydroxyalkyl group of 1 to 6 carbon atoms, a hydroxyl group or a cyano group; a represents an integer of 0 to 2; Q¹ represents an alkylene group of 1 to 12 carbon atoms or a single bond; Y¹ represents an alkylene group of 1 to 4 carbon atoms or a fluorinated alkylene group; and M⁺ represents an alkali metal ion.
 10. A compound represented by general formula (b1-1) shown below:

wherein X represents —O—, —S—, —O—R³— or —S—R⁴—, wherein each of R³ and R⁴ independently represents an alkylene group of 1 to 5 carbon atoms; R² represents an alkyl group of 1 to 6 carbon atoms, an alkoxy group of 1 to 6 carbon atoms, a halogenated alkyl group of 1 to 6 carbon atoms, a halogen atom, a hydroxyalkyl group of 1 to 6 carbon atoms, a hydroxyl group or a cyano group; a represents an integer of 0 to 2; Q¹ represents an alkylene group of 1 to 12 carbon atoms or a single bond; Y¹ represents an alkylene group of 1 to 4 carbon atoms or a fluorinated alkylene group; and A⁺ represents an organic cation.
 11. An acid generator consisting of a compound of claim
 10. 